KZN Education Department condemns alleged racial attack at Glenover Secondary School

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education condemned a violent incident at Glenover Secondary School in Chatsworth, where a dispute between learners allegedly escalated into a racially charged confrontation in which five pupils were stabbed.

The altercation began during a soccer match on August 29, when a disagreement between two learners spiralled into a broader clash with racial undertones, the department said.

After school hours, the situation intensified when a group — including a parent and former learners not involved in the initial conflict — reportedly attacked students.

According to the department, five learners were stabbed in the attack.

The department said that four learners directly implicated in the violence have since been suspended. The school has also sought assistance from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and its private security provider.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Education, Sipho Hlomuka, expressed outrage.

“As the Department of Education, we are appalled by the criminal behaviour of certain community members alleged to be fuelling violence at Glenover Secondary School," Hlomuka said.

"We will stand firmly with the principal, management team, [student governing body] SGB, and SAPS to ensure that this racial conflict is swiftly resolved and that schools remain safe spaces for teaching and learning.”

Meanwhile, in a statement, the department said: “We are gravely concerned that this violence was racially motivated and aggravated by adults who should be setting an example of tolerance, peace, and restraint.

"Glenover Secondary School condemns in the strongest terms all forms of racial violence, discrimination, and conduct that incites division.”

The department criticised the adults who were allegedly involved, warning that their actions undermined efforts to create a safe and inclusive environment.

It also reminded parents of their responsibility to instil values of respect, tolerance, and non-violence, adding that schools should not be forced to correct behaviour rooted in poor guidance at home.

“We urgently call on all parents to work with us to restore peace and stability. Any disruption to teaching and learning will compromise the education and future of your children.”

This violent outbreak comes amid growing concern over safety in South African schools. Just last week, clinical and sports psychologist Dr Keitumetse “Tumi” Mashego warned in an IOL News article that schools across the country are buckling under a surge of violence.

“We are an anxious, violent, stressed and wounded nation,” Mashego said, pointing to brutal incidents in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape, and the North West. Learners and teachers alike are increasingly exposed to stabbings, gang fights, mob brawls, and the deep psychological scars they leave behind.

Mashego stressed that both perpetrators and victims often act from unresolved trauma, calling for urgent intervention through multidisciplinary support teams made up of psychologists, social workers, and medical professionals.

“Teachers need debriefing as well because their work is stressful and puts them at risk for burnout,” she said.

Authorities are investigating the matter, while the department has urged the community not to resort to violence and to allow the school and law enforcement agencies to manage the situation.

Daily News