A 62-year-old teacher in Welkom was allegedly stabbed repeatedly at her home by a Grade 11 learner on September 23. The teacher suffered multiple stab wounds to her head and hands and remains in hospital. The Free State Department of Education has expressed concern over the attack, with Education MEC Mamiki Maboya stating that the department will not tolerate any form of violence in schools.
This incident is not an isolated case, as teachers across South Africa have reported facing serious attacks by learners. In KwaZulu-Natal, a 24-year-old learner was sentenced to 17 years in prison in 2019 for assaulting a teacher. In Gauteng, a Grade 6 learner allegedly shot his 51-year-old principal three times at Primrose Primary School in Germiston in 2024. The principal survived, and the learner was arrested on an attempted-murder charge.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has expressed concern over any incident in which an educator is threatened, intimidated, or attacked while performing their duties. Acting Director of Communications Terence Khala stated that the department takes these incidents seriously, irrespective of their frequency. The DBE has measures in place to prevent and respond to violence, including the National School Safety Framework and School Safety Committees.
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has recorded an increase in cases of learners assaulting teachers, with 56 cases reported during the first two terms of 2025, compared to 43 during the same period this year. The WCED has also recorded cases of verbal abuse against educators, with 34 cases reported during the first half of this year.
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) has called for swift action against threats and attacks, stronger support for school leaders and governing bodies, and closer cooperation with parents and police. SADTU stated that violence against educators must never be normalised or treated as merely a disciplinary matter.
The Free State Department of Education has assured that it will support the teacher and her family, while the School Management Team has visited them. The department has also instructed the Lejweleputswa Education District to provide support. The SAPS is investigating the attack, and a criminal case has been opened.
The safety of educators is a pressing concern, with teachers needing to be able to teach without fear, just as learners must be able to learn without fear. The DBE has emphasised the importance of ensuring that schools have functional safety structures and effective relationships with the relevant authorities to prevent and respond to violence.
Key points
- The Department of Basic Education has expressed concern over the growing violence against teachers in South African schools.
- The Western Cape Education Department has recorded an increase in cases of learners assaulting teachers.
- The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union has called for swift action against threats and attacks on educators.
