“Children learn from what they see in their homes and society.” That is how clinical and sports psychologist Dr Keitumetse “Tumi” Mashego explains the surge of violence tearing through South African schools. “We are an anxious, violent, stressed and wounded nation,” said Clinical and sports psychologist Dr Keitumetse “Tumi” Mashego. Brutal incidents are emerging across KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape, North West, and beyond. Learners and teachers are facing stabbings, mob brawls, gang fights, and deep psychological scars, while school safety systems buckle under the pressure. Mashego stressed that both victims and perpetrators often act from unresolved trauma. She called for schools to deploy multidisciplinary support teams made up of psychologists, social workers, and medical professionals. “Teachers need debriefing as well because their work is stressful and puts them at risk for burnout.”
Sam Busa