By Ncaba Ntshakala
“Yindzaba yetfu sonkhe”
After the recent NCU Indaba on school violence and gangsterism, held by the Ministry of Education and Training, several teachers have shared their perspectives on the growing concern.
The indaba, which gathered various stakeholders, underscored the pressing issue of gangsterism and its detrimental impact on the educational environment.
Sithembiso Mmango, an educator from Shiselweni, identified the primary factors contributing to the rise of gangsterism as a lack of proper and holistic domestic upbringing.
“Many families struggle to adapt to changing times, exposing children to numerous negative influences,” he explained.
He emphasized that the disconnection between parents and teachers has led to a decline in moral values among students.
Mmango highlighted the severe impact of gangsterism on the daily learning environment and the psychological well-being of students and teachers.
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“It creates a hostile atmosphere among learners and constrains teachers in executing their duties due to fear, making the learning process very difficult,” he said.
To address these issues, Mmango suggested that the government reinforce guidance and counselling programs that involve active participation from learners, parents, and teachers.
He also pointed to successful interventions at his school, such as the lisango and liguma programs, which foster positive behavioral changes in students.
“These sessions allow learners to express their views and experiences, contributing to their overall development,” he noted.
Furthermore, Mmango called for increased ground security in schools to handle extreme incidents and more social workers to support the psychological needs of students regularly.
“In extreme incidents, ground security should be provided in schools to manage such cases. Further, government should provide more social workers to address the psychological aspect of every child at often times,” said Mmango.
Another teacher from Mkhuzweni High School in Manzini, Ngcebo Hlophe attributed the rise in gangsterism to a combination of poor parenting and overexposure to harmful content in the digital age.
“Kids can easily access content that negatively impacts their choices,” he said. Hlophe suggested that the Ministry of Education incorporate anti-gangsterism content into the curriculum to counteract these influences.
At his school, Hlophe mentioned the existence of a disciplinary committee that addresses such behaviors in his shool.
He proposed that the government provide workshops for teachers on different corrective measures to handle these issues effectively.
“In my school we have a disciplinary committee tht addresses behaviours of ths nature, it comprises of some teachers maybe the government can workshop the teachers on different corrective measures of dealing wit ths issue,”Hlophe explained.
Bandile Shabangu, a teacher at Inkhanyeti School in Manzini, linked the causes of violence and gangsterism to moral decay and unstable family structures.
“Homes headed by single, unemployed women with unsupportive partners contribute significantly to this problem,” he explained.
Shabangu also highlighted the role of media and the high unemployment rates in exacerbating the situation.
“The impact of gangsterism heightens anxiety among both learners and staff, lowers motivation, and fosters a misguided obsession with wealth and fame,” Shabangu said.
He advocated for the restoration of the extended family structure and improved living conditions as long-term solutions to these issues.
Shabangu also mentioned programs supported by SWAGAA in his school, which address abuse, suggesting that the government partner with community-based organizations to combat gangsterism from an early stage.
He stressed the need for the government to enhance care for learners, including improving meal programs and addressing home situations.
“SWAGAA is trying to breach that gap but theirs is on abuse, government can partner with community-based organizations to combat such in the earliest.” Bandile stated.
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“Government should also expand the care given to learners; the meals provided in some schools are much appreciated but don’t do much Government should rather seek to improve the home situation of Swazis first.”
Last week, the Ministry hosted the indaba at Sibane Sami Hotel where all stakeholders agreed that action must be taken to curb the growing violence and gangsterism in schools.
Lindiwe Dlamini, the Director of Educational Testing, Guidance, and Psychological Services (ETGPS) elaborated on the severe consequences of gangsterism and highlighted its extensive impact.
She said that the impact of gangsterism goes beyond isolated incidents as it threatens the safety of learners and educators and undermines the integrity of the entire educational system.
The Director pointed out that the psychological well-being of both students and teachers is severely compromised, creating an environment of fear and violence that disrupts learning, lowers academic performance, and can lead to increased dropout rates.
“The integrity and efficacy of our educational system are at stake,” she warned.
As a result, all three teachers that this publication engaged, agreed that the Ministry of Education must conduct more training and workshops to equip educators with the tools and strategies needed to tackle school violence and gangsterism effectively.
They added that schools need social workers now.
