School Safety in Mamelodi

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the crisis surrounding school safety in South Africa in general and in Mamelodi East in particular. It outlines a case study of the context and crisis in primary schools there, laying bare the brutal truth of bullying, vandalism, and gangsterism in these schools. Research into senior primary, high, and primary schools led to an empirical investigation which included interviews with school principals. This confirmed a reality that is being ignored: the current education system is in fact creating more opportunities for violence, bullying, and impoverishment. While resources such as the National Safety Programme exist, their translation into real measures and interventions remains questionable. Amongst other interventions, a more relevant Afrocentric curriculum and training for teachers is recommended. All stakeholders in education, community, home, and industry need to be held responsible for this dire situation and to take collective action.