SADTU takes action against gender-based violence in South African schools
A group of women lie down in Cape Town to protest against gender-based violence. The South African Democratic Teachers' Union said it will intensify awareness campaigns and advocate strongly for the training of teachers to address school-related GBV.
Image: ARMAND HOUGH / Independent Newspapers
The South African Democratic Teachers' Union (SADTU) has made a commitment to ensuring that schools are areas that are free of gender-based violence (GBV).
The teacher union spoke on the issue as the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence campaign began on Tuesday.
There have been recent cases of violence against children at schools. Police have confirmed the investigation into the alleged rape of a seven-year-old girl at a primary school in Atlantis, the Cape Argus reported this week.
The Sunday Tribune reported recently that there 30 allegations of statutory rape against KZN teachers and several cases involving the sexual assault of young learners.
SADTU said that during the 16-day period, it will intensify awareness campaigns and advocate strongly for the training of teachers to address school-related GBV.
“We reaffirm, however, that the fight against GBV must continue beyond the 16-day period. It is an ongoing year-long commitment.
“SADTU is steadfast in its mission to ensure safe schools and communities, as well as a society free from all forms of violence, through its ‘I Am a School Fan’ campaign.
“SADTU calls for a more coherent and prioritised approach to GBV cases across all sectors, including the swift processing of cases and improved support for survivors.
It said that it acknowledged the critical role teachers play in confronting one of the root causes of GBV – deeply entrenched patriarchal norms.
“Teachers are instrumental in shaping the minds, raising consciousness, and nurturing critical thinking. They help learners to analyse their own experiences and societal conditions, enabling them to better understand and challenge injustices and inequality,” said the statement.
The union welcomed the recent classification of gender-based violence and femicide as a national disaster.
“SADTU welcomes this important step. Although the declaration does not invoke emergency powers, it underscores the urgent need for a centralised and coordinated national response that strengthens existing systems,” it said.