By: Bright Ntuli
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal is calling on the provincial MEC for Education, Sipho Hlomuka, and his department to send a strong and unequivocal message that criminal acts, particularly school vandalism, will not be tolerated and will carry severe consequences.
This appeal follows recent and deeply concerning incidents at Mzwamandla High School in Umlazi, south of Durban, where learners were involved in acts of vandalism that were filmed and widely shared on social media platforms. The footage has sparked public outrage and raised serious questions about discipline, safety, and the state of school infrastructure in the province.
DA spokesperson on education in eThekwini, Sakhile Mngadi, emphasised that swift action is needed, not only to hold the perpetrators accountable but also to deter similar behaviour in the future.
“These acts of destruction not only undermine the learning environment but also represent a broader failure of discipline and leadership. Schools should be places of growth and safety, not sites of lawlessness,” said Mngadi.
Mngadi further urged the Department of Education to work closely with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute those responsible. He also called for increased investment in school safety initiatives and psycho-social support programmes aimed at addressing behavioural issues among learners.
