Reported incidents of violence at schools need attention

THE SAOU is seriously concerned by the current educational trends, which have been reported in the media over the past two weeks.

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Under normal circumstances, the strain felt by schools and learners is alleviated after a school holiday, with incidents only recurring after the first month.

In 2025, however, it seems that the weeklong school holiday did not bring relief to the system. After only the second week back at school, the trends have escalated.

Reports of severe aggression on both the part of teachers and that of learners are reported, with extreme acts of violence being reported. The education system and schooling are deteriorating due to the uncertainties that are currently being experienced.

The threat of many teachers leaving the system is an additional strain on the system.

In addition to this, the Minister of Basic Education responded to a parliamentary question by indicating that there were 31 811 vacant funded positions in the education system.