Bullying, intimidation rife in SA schools - survey
A new, international survey on conditions of teaching and learning has found that South African schools are plagued by incidents that threaten the safety of teachers and pupils.
The results of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) was released by Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga at the Nellmapius High School in Pretoria on Tuesday.
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The survey aims to provide comparable information that will help countries review and define policies for developing quality teaching.
TALIS researcher and education expert Dr Markus Schwabe says one in three principals reported weekly incidents of intimidation or bullying in their schools.
The TALIS report comes amidst an increase in violence on school playgrounds across the country.
Last month, 16 year old Daniel Bakwela was stabbed to death outside Forest High School in Johannesburg, allegedly by a fellow pupil.
Two other pupils were also attacked and subsequently hospitalised.
Motshekga nevertheless welcomed the findings from the TALIS survey.
She while the department is aware of its responsibility, an end to school violence will require a collective effort from families and the community.