Don't turn schools into war zones - minister

He said he was disappointed that teachers have now resorted to killing one another through violent means and implored principals and their deputies not to hold grudges against their subordinates.

The minister said a school was supposed to be conducive to learning where teachers and the administration were united, loved and respected one another.

He said this during the celebration of Home Economics Day, which was an event to fund-raise for the acquisition of special equipment and launch of the Consumer Science Association, held last Friday at the KaMjuda Conference Hall.

The occasion was attended by Pat Muir, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Training, Swaziland Principals Association (SWAPA) President Mduduzi Bhembe, Examinations Council of Swaziland Registrar Dr. Edmund Mazibuko and Shiselweni Regional Administrator Paul Dlamini among others.

"I have noted with dismay the hostility between teachers and principals which has rendered schools battle zones. Teachers now carry guns to schools and hire hit men to kill their own after crossing swords.

"Principals should also not hold grudges against teachers and the sickening tendency of camps at schools whereby a certain group supports the deputy while the other goes with the principal should stop because it kills unity, love, respect and above all, it affects the pupils.

"Let there be peace in schools and the environment should be conducive to learning because teachers are professionals tasked with upholding and improving the profession to greater heights.

"In yesteryears, we were attacked, robbed and killed by thugs and not teachers.

 This should stop," Ntshangase said. The minister did not mention names in his speech, however, it is alleged that the police are currently investigating three fired female teachers who are alleged to have offered a hit man based in South Africa E30 000 to assassinate Bhembe and another government official stationed at the Ministry of Education and Training.

Another teacher, Zwelithini Tsabedze, is currently in jail after being convicted for shooting dead his colleague, Ntokozo Maseko, at Deccapol Primary School.

On another note, Ntshangase thanked the Home Economics Association for its efforts in reviewing the Early Childhood Care and Development, Prevocational Education Practical Arts, Junior Certificate, Swaziland General Certificate and the Home Economics Vocational Education syllabuses.

"There is no doubt that the high quality standard of Consumer Science should be maintained at all costs and demonstrated not only at school level but in everyday life.

"This will help in boosting the economy of the country if we are to realise the dream of becoming a First World country as well as an ability to practice self-help issues and self sustainability and environmental issues.

The Examinations Council of Swaziland has provided a new Home Economics specialist who will assist in addressing the difficult requirements of conducting examinations in both practical and theory.

"I also wish to convey gratitude to Home Economics teachers for a job well done. The results tell it all and Home Economics enrolment has increased over the years and this is reflected by being position one in food and nutrition and position two in fashion and fabrics," Ntshangase added.

Different types of clothes and food (cakes) which were designed and baked by pupils and teachers in primary and high schools were displayed. There was also a fashion show.

Ntshangase and the Nhlangano Police Station Commander, Superintendent George Mayisa, were among those presented with cakes for gracing the occasion.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: