EAST LONDON – Another video depicting violence at an Eastern Cape school is making the rounds on social media.
The footage shows a male learner assaulting a fellow pupil, reigniting urgent calls for action against bullying and violence in schools.
This latest incident comes shortly after a separate case at David Mama Secondary School in Mdantsane, where a group of boys were seen attacking a female classmate in another viral video.
READ | School bullying | Eastern Cape Education Department probes viral video
Reacting to the footage, Eastern Cape Department of Education spokesperson Velani Mbiza Gola said the department is deeply troubled by the growing trend of school violence.
He regarded such incidents as disappointing and disturbing.
“In many of these cases, the perpetrators are cheered on by others. That alone shows there's a much deeper issue," he said
Gola believes that addressing such behaviour requires a multi-faceted response this as it is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
“Part of that is reviving values and morals in our society, so that we start seeing consistent behaviour across nation not just in schools," Gola explained.
He says the department is also working with community forums and law enforcement to enhance safety around schools.
“We’ve already started implementing safety brigades where security personnel are placed at schools where there is high rate of violence.
"This is done to ensure that the school premises and percent are safe. But also pupils and teachers are safe," Gola said.