THE morale of teachers in Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) is low due to constant school robberies.
Since November 2023, about 131 schools have been hit by a blow of criminal incidents.
A group of armed robbers raided schools, stealing valuables such as laptops, cellphones, car keys, and even shot staff members.
The latest incident occurred at Kwazakhele High School in NMB on Wednesday, 3 April.
That's according to Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Gade, who was speaking during a media briefing on Thursday, 4 April.
He said they've noted with serious concern the number of incidents that have been reported around the area which have a negative impact on teaching and learning.
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"The levels of crime and substance abuse that schools experience are on the rise and may be attributed to a range of issues. Pupils are not safe on the roads, on their way to school, in and out of school premises, as well as their way back home.
To address these challenges, the department has initiated the hiring of 1 000 security assistants, with 262 allocated to NMB schools for 2024 and 2025 through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
The MEC said this is an interim human resource strategy to provide a safe learning environment for pupils and teachers in the hot spot areas.
Kwazakhele High School SGB chairwoman Phumzile Vena said the school was robbed three times in a period of five months.
"The morale of the teachers is very low. This is because they're always apprehensive, thinking that they might be robbed at any time due to what has taken place in the past," she said.
