Racial and violence cases on the increase in SA

By Ilhaam Hoosain
07 March 2008

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is launching its Recommendations Report on Public Hearing on the School-Based Violence, next week Wednesday the 12th March 2008.

The recent incidents of school-based violence occurred in the KwaZulu-Natal area where 11 of George Cato Prmary school teachers requested special leave because they felt victimised.

The Mercury reported another incident where a teacher was threatened to be shot by a pupil, while invigilating an exam.

According to the SAHRC this report will provide recommendations that seek to assist role-players to grapple further with the issues that impede the full enjoyment of attaining the right to basic education free from all forms of violence and fears thereof.

“The public debate is a very positive thing, because there is obviously tensions very close under the surface that need to be dealt with,” says Hannah Botsis from the South African Institution of Race Relations.

She goes on to say that there are all these kinds of racial issues that are being discussed and thinks that frank dialogue is needed about these things and that it’s good that they are talking about it.

The SAHRC says that following a number of highly publicised incidents of violence in schools and many complaints being lodged on school-violence, the commission found it necessary to look into these by way of a public hearing.

The Bill of Rights contains provisions to protect the rights of both learners and educators to teach in a safe environment free from all forms of violence.