The Minister of Basic Education, Mrs Angie Motshekga is horrified by reports that a 15 year old Grade 8 pupil from the Northern Cape allegedly stabbed a teacher to death at the teacher’s home.

The matter is still under police investigation so some details are yet to emerge, but this form of violence needs to be condemned in the strongest possible terms.   

“The holistic education of our learners is a societal matter, and we all as communities, parents and guardians need to instil in our children the notion that violence is not the answer, problems will not be solved through violence.” Said Minister Motshekga.

The Province under the capable leadership of MEC, Martha Bartlett today visited the family of the slain teacher and will also be visiting the school to establish if there are any particular challenges that need to be addressed and to provide psycho-social services to the learners.

We are aware that the area in Kuruman, where the learner is from, faces a number of social challenges, such as a high number child headed households, the break-down of the family structure, poverty and substance abuse among others. This therefore makes the role of the community and relevant government entities, in supporting our young people to mitigate these challenges ever more important.

Enquiries: Elijah Mhlanga – 083 580 8275

                    Troy Martens – 078 899 3070

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF BASIC EDUCATION