07 Nov 2021

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has implored teachers, parents and other stakeholders to join hands and fight the growing problem of unruly learners in schools.

The President made the call Thursday during a kgotla meeting he addressed here.

He noted that there had been increased calls from parents around the country for action against learners who misbehaved, as drugs and other unwanted substances found their way into school.

Dr Masisi however, underscored the importance of good parental guidance and reminded the meeting that "charity begins at home".

He said it was only in working together that communities could hope to effectively guide children and build responsible citizens out of them.

For his part, Minister of Basic Education, Mr Fidelis Molao noted bad elements were also poor academic performers.

As a remedy he urged for application of reasonable corporal punishment.

He encouraged parents not to shy away from seeking assistance from village leadership if the situation got out of hand.

The President and the minister were responding to concerns by one resident, Ms Oaitse Phikane, who had expressed concern over rampant unruly behaviour at Motaung Junior Secondary School, which she said needed government’s immediate intervention. ENDS