Stricter drug policies proposed for schools amid rising substance abuse
Dagga and cigarettes recovered during unannounced school inspections in Inanda, Durban, on Tuesday.
Image: SAPS
A call has been made for stricter punishment for pupils found with illegal substances in schools.
This comes after KwaZulu-Natal police and Department of Basic Education officials conducted unannounced visits at Ikusasalethu Secondary School, Newtown Combined School and Inanda Comprehensive School in Inanda on Tuesday morning.
“During the visits, police provided valuable safety information to learners, and subsequent searches led to the recovery of dagga and cigarettes,” said KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda.
He added that these unannounced visits form part of the Safer Schools Protocol, a joint initiative between the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the South African Police Service (SAPS). This protocol aims to foster safer learning environments and address social issues like bullying, gangsterism, substance abuse, and gender-based violence in schools.
Police and education officials conducted safety inspections at Inanda schools on Tuesdays
Image: SAPS
KZN Parents Association chairperson Vee Gani said the seizures were not surprising because pupils carry cigarettes and dagga in schools. They also smoke in schools.
He said it may be difficult to search every pupil, especially since there is no manpower or resources available.
Gani said schools must take decisive action, including considering expulsion, as pupils found with illicit substances pose a risk to others.
“Where do you draw the line? Therefore, you have to take a zero tolerance approach on drugs in schools,” Gani said.
Police conducted security checks at Inanda schools.
Image: SAPS
He said pupils start small with cigarettes and then move on to dagga, and this escalates to other hardened drugs.
Gani also said parents should take responsibility for their children; somehow, parents abdicate that responsibility.
He also emphasised the need for parents to take an active role in supporting their children.
The Department of Basic Education and South African Police Service are working together to address social issues in schools.
Image: SAPS
National Association of School Governing Bodies general secretary, Matakanye Matakanya, said the governing body has a policy that bars illicit items from school. The policy must have some kind of punishment. The code of conduct for pupils also speaks to punishment if pupils are found with illegal items.
Teachers, according to Matakanya, lack the skills possessed by the police. They do not have the power to search pupils. If pupils suspect such behaviour, they can call on the police for a search.
“We call on the Department of Education to strengthen the power of SGBs (school governing bodies) so they understand how to form policy to be functional and effective,” Matakanya said.
He also said parents must stand up and show support. They should search their children’s bags and know what they are carrying.
Police searched pupils, schoolbags and classrooms during unannounced school inspections in Inanda.
Image: SAPS
Congress of South African Students (Cosas) national spokesperson, Bongani Mpungose, said the congress is aware of the rise in substance abuse in schools, and has continued to join hands with the DBE and the SAPS in implementing regular unannounced police raid visits.
“The problem of substance in our school facilities starts from the security of a school, and we have come up with a decision to take it upon the DBE to increase the security in our schools to ensure substances don’t enter facilities. We are fully aware of such a crisis, and we shall be taking further action to ensure that we take action and stand our ground in making sure substances do not enter our schools,” Mpungose said.
Pupils in Inanda schools received valuable safety information during a recent police visit.
Image: SAPS
Mpungose said regular, unannounced visits are crucial to instilling fear in pupils, deterring them from bringing substances to school. This approach also raises awareness that such detrimental behaviour carries significant consequences.
“We also want to create awareness that school is a safe area for all learners and learners to respect their environment and others around them,” Mpungose said.
thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za