The DA in Limpopo calls on MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya to ensure the alleged assault of kitchen staff by a Grade 12 learner at Motjere High school in lekhureng outside Polokwane is reported to the South African Police Service and that the department also takes disciplinary action against the learner involved in the incident.
This comes after frightening reports and social media footage surfaced showing a learner seemingly assaulting kitchen staff at the school over a food related dispute during breaktime. While details surrounding the alleged incident are not clear, the learner demanding food in such an aggressive manner is worrying and unacceptable.
In a province that has an exceedingly high poverty rate and limited resources to adequately fund its education system incidents like this highlight the challenges and hardships that continue to exist in our schools and how they affect learners.
The DA condemns the appalling action and Lerule-Ramakhanya and her department must fully investigate the incident and hold the learner responsible for their actions.
The safety of learners and school staff must be prioritised, and no one should feel threatened or in danger on school premises. These types of incidents have no place in our schools.
The DA will continue to monitor this incident to ensure action is taken to prevent similar incidents. The Limpopo Department of Education must take measures to ensure that both learners and staff operate in a safe environment