The fatal stabbing of 19-year-old Lethabo Mokonyane, a pupil from Pretoria East, has once again thrust the issue of school safety into the national spotlight. Two fellow learners, allegedly wearing balaclavas, were arrested in connection with the attack, which occurred as Mokonyane was about to board a bus home.
The incident has sparked urgent discussions about violence in schools, with stakeholders calling for a multi-faceted approach to address the crisis. Nomusa Cembi, National Spokesperson for the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU), extended condolences to Mokonyane’s family and emphasized the need for collective responsibility.
A Systemic Crisis
Dr. Keitumetse Mashego, a clinical psychologist, highlighted that school violence reflects broader societal issues, including anxiety, trauma, and unchecked aggression. “We are a wounded, violent society,” she said, stressing the need for proactive mental health screenings and multidisciplinary interventions in schools.
Both experts agreed that reactive measures are insufficient. Cembi pointed to SADTU’s “I’m a School Fan” campaign, urging communities to actively support schools, while Dr. Mashego called for accessible counseling and structured anti-bullying policies.
Calls for Action
Cembi criticized the lack of consistent psychosocial support and police visibility in schools, particularly in rural areas. Dr. Mashego advised parents to seek mental health services if their children show signs of distress, underscoring the long-term impact of bullying on victims.
As investigations continue, Mokonyane’s death underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure schools are safe havens for learning.
