EFF KZN statement on the brutal murder of a Durban teacher

29 July 2024

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in KwaZuIu-NataI strongly condemns the brutal murder of a female teacher from Phikiswayo Primary School in Ntuzuma, who was shot dead in front of school children this morning.

The EFF has over the years continuously raised concerns about the issue of school safety which has been left unattended by the Department of Basic Education for more than a decade now. Our schools continue to be war zones and our learners and teachers continue to be killed in broad daylight inside and outside school premises.

While the Department of Education has in the past introduced school safety programmes such as "Hlayiseka" and many others , we note with concern that there has been no consistency in their implementation.

The EFF calls upon the MEC of Education Mr Sipho Hlomuka, to prioritize the issue of school safety when tabling his budget next month. We also urge the Department to send psychologists to the school as this was a traumatic experience for both teachers and learners.

We further call upon community members to work closely with the police, in ensuring that our schools are safe havens.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, school children and everyone who might have been affected by this traumatic incident. We wish them strength and comfort during this traumatic period.

Issued by Mongezi Twala, Provincial Chairperson, EFF KZN, 29 July 2024