Teachers’ union raises alarm over violence after school security guard’s killing

The Naptosa teachers' union has raised concerns over the increasing violence in South African schools following the killing of a security guard at Inanda Comprehensive High School. Thirona Moodley, a spokesperson for Naptosa, stated that the incident is part of a concerning trend of violence in schools that has worsened recently.

Just a week prior, a Grade 10 student was shot dead in front of classmates at a nearby school on Monday. Moodley emphasized that these incidents are not isolated tragedies but rather a critical and distressing sign that violence in schools is reaching a crisis point. She lamented the loss of another life within a school setting and called for an urgent and decisive response from those responsible for school safety.

Moodley expressed deep concern over the apparent lack of a visible, coordinated, and comprehensive plan to address the growing issue of violence in schools. She criticized the continued silence and inaction from key stakeholders, calling it completely unacceptable. Naptosa stressed that schools should be places of teaching, learning, and development, not environments where students, teachers, and staff are forced to live in fear for their safety.

Every life lost is a tragedy, and every violent incident undermines the right to a secure learning and working environment. The union is demanding urgent, coordinated, and sustained action to tackle school violence, improve security measures, and provide the necessary resources to protect everyone within the school environment. Moodley conveyed her deepest sympathies to the deceased security officer's family, the Inanda Comprehensive High School community, and all those affected by the recent loss of life in South African schools.