Gwarube to address National Assembly on school violence

The party requested Gwarube to address MPs after an incident in Mpumalanga, where an 8-year old child was allegedly raped by another pupil during a school function in Bethal. 

RISE Mzansi's Makashule Gana said there was an alleged cover-up by teachers who told the child not to report the matter.

 “This incident was only uncovered when the child reported the violent incident to her mother," said Gana.

He added that the levels of violence in South African schools require a direct response from the Department of Basic Education, police, Social Development, and others in the education sector.

“In my correspondence to the Minister of Basic Education, filled with a heavy heart and anger, I implored the minister to make an Executive Statement before the House and the people of South Africa, in terms of Rule 133 of the National Assembly. The minister has acceded to RISE Mzansi’s request and will address the National Assembly."

Gana said the levels of violence at schools mirror those in warzones, citing Cwecwe’s rape case in the Eastern Cape and the Lethabo Mokonyane, who was fatally stabbed outside his school premises in Pretoria East.

“In the last year, there were 42 cases of rape, 96 cases of attempted murder,1,214 cases of assault GBH, and 376 cases of rape at places of learning."

Gana said the party expects Gwarube to outline a workable plan of action for implementation, for which she will be held accountable. 

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