Chairperson, the aim of our education system, among other things, is to promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all South Africans, to advance and deepen the culture of human rights, and to nurture potential talent for the enhancement of social cohesion.
The ANC is concerned about the recent spate of violence in our schools. Violence against learners has emerged in various forms, from bullying to daily assaults, and even murders and/or deaths of learners are occurring in or around school premises.
Crime and violence in schools threaten the wellbeing of young people in South Africa. This is a severe threat to our social stability in all forms. It corrupts the social fabric of communities and the nation as a whole, and endangers the health of both learners and teachers. It disrupts the provision of basic services and destroys respect for human rights. Crime and violence can also deepen gender and social inequality and reduce the overall quality of life.
The ANC-led government is continuously developing implementable policies through intersectoral programmes to radically deal with this scourge. We appeal for a concerted effort from both parents and teachers to support the initiatives for an effective realisation of these goals. [Time expired.] Thank you, Chairperson. [Applause.]