BADIRILE Secondary School shames residents of Khutsong, in the West Rand.
This follows an announced visit by the MEC of Education Lebogang Maile, Police, and other law enforcement agencies, at the problematic school on Tuesday morning.
Upon arrival the team conducted a search-and-seizure operation, of which they found drugs, knives, vapes, scissors, and vapes, a fork from pupils.
Also alarming were reports that a teacher sent a nude WhatsApp video to a learner, and other educators have been bunking school for over six months.
According to police, 10 serious cases involving pupils at the school have been reported since January.
In March, a 16-year-old Grade 9 learner was fatally stabbed by another pupil during a break at the notorious Badirile Sec.
“We have been told about five notorious educators who don’t come to school, they don’t teach and go to taverns during school hours,” says the very disturbed MEC, who also inspected the books of some of the learners, who did not attend classes, only to access the school feeding scheme and intimidate fellow learners and educators.
“We will not tolerate anarchy,” he warned.
“Some of these learners also intimidate teachers, telling them if they don’t give them marks they want, they will call their zama-zamas boyfriends to deal with the teachers,” says the very worried Maile.
It can’t be, what kinds of kids are these, he asked, having seen a bullying video that went viral recently.
As part of efforts to restore order the MEC has instructed the district director to meet with all educators to outline expectations.
An acting principal will also be appointed to enforce discipline.
“We want to make sure that in the coming weeks there is order here,” Maile said.
On educators misbehaving, he outlined that they will face disciplinary action in line with labour regulations if the allegations were substantiated.
The irritable Maile said they will continue to make unannounced visits to all schools in the province.
Image provided (Knives, vapes and drugs confiscated during search on learners at Badirile Sec School, Khutsong, West Rand.)
