Mr Speaker, the ANC strongly condemns the escalating number of acts of unjustifiable violence in our schools. We therefore denounce these acts of violence, rape, racism and racial discrimination in the strongest possible terms. Our schools should be places of safety and learning, not places of violence. The fact that these brutal crimes take place on school premises despite the security measures put in place by the Safe Schools Project, is entirely unacceptable and deeply concerning.
The ANC mourns the untimely and tragic death of Nomzoxolo Dziba, who was shot dead on the premises of the Sithembele Matiso Secondary school in New Crossroads. We therefore strongly condemn the motives and actions of those persons who have committed this brutal crime, as they demonstrate a dangerous practice of creating fertile ground for violence in schools.
The ANC is also deeply saddened by the increase in the incidence of rape, such as the one that took place at the Ndamase High School at Ngqeleni in the Eastern Cape. We want to emphasise that the ANC-led government will not be deterred in establishing a normal school environment for teaching and learning. Parliament will have to vigorously discuss the issue of school violence, and place it on the agenda as an issue of national importance. The ANC extends its condolences to the family, friends and relatives of principal Nomzoxolo Dziba. Thank you.