The African National Congress views the escalation of acts of violence in our schools as a serious offence on the moral fibre of our society.
The ANC is concerned about the crippling acts of unjustifiable antagonistic violent behaviour in schools. It further feels that this undesirable tendency is a manifestation of the breakdown in moral, social and cultural values. It cannot be a simple exercise of learning and teaching when it involves violence and loss of human lives. These values and morals cannot be legislated, they must exist in the hearts and minds of our people.
It is for this reason that we must invoke and rally the family to occupy its historical status as a principle structure where character-building is important to the young and where we instil the age-old African philosophical concept of ubuntu, ensuring that our children grow up to become responsible citizens in society.
We need to win back the hearts and minds of our children and empower them with values, attitudes and behaviours that are consistent with our moral, cultural, social and constitutional values. Our schools are, therefore, of paramount importance in restructuring society and reinstilling values. This process needs the support of families, churches, communities and all stakeholders involved in the creation of a value-based society.
The ANC condemns in the strongest terms the heartless killing of an acting principal on the school premises of Sithembiso Matiso Secondary School and also extends its condolences to the family. I thank you. [Time expired.] [Applause.]