Protect our teachers – Moral Regeneration Movement

The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West has strongly denounced the alleged assault of two female educators from Dingateng and Mathateng Primary Schools in the village of Masamane. The incident, which occurred amidst protests, has ignited concerns regarding senseless violence and the urgent need for resolution.

The civil society-led organization has called for a thorough investigation into the incident and for prompt action against those responsible for the abhorrent conduct. “Such moral decay must be nipped in the bud before matters get out of hand. Stern action must be taken against anarchists responsible for the abhorrent and despicable conduct that has not only undermined the said educators’ human rights but their dignity as well,” commented Pastor Lesiba Kgwele, convenor of the MRM Provincial Interim Committee.

Kgwele has urged local communities to protect educators from opportunistic and disruptive elements who do not prioritize the education of their children. “Those responsible must be held accountable to entrench a culture of zero tolerance for violence in our schools and communities, as well as respect for the rule of law,” he emphasized.

The investigation should delve into whether authorities timely addressed the grievances that led to this incident, considering that two months of lost learning and teaching time are unacceptable. “They must get to the root cause of the conflict because educators cannot be victimized for external issues beyond their control, such as water shortages during this heatwave,” Kgwele added. He also stressed the need to resolve the challenges faced by Educators’ Assistants and General Assistants swiftly to minimize the disruption’s impact on learners’ end-of-year performance.

Kgwele has called for urgent mediation to de-escalate the conflict and restore normalcy in the affected areas. He pointed out that the Moral Regeneration Movement’s Charter of Positive Values strongly opposes any form of physical, emotional, or psychological abuse or ill-treatment of another human being.

In conclusion, Kgwele highlighted the critical role of civil society organizations, including churches, faith-based organizations, trade unions, civic groups, non-governmental organizations, and traditional leaders, in ensuring the physical security of all people in our communities. The MRM remains dedicated to fostering positive values and striving for a harmonious and just society.