PSA warns of rising risk to teachers after attack at Mammutla Secondary
The Public Servants Association (PSA) has called for immediate and decisive action after a deputy principal at Mammutla Secondary School was stabbed, describing the episode as yet another sign that educators in the North West are working under increasingly dangerous conditions.
In a statement, the PSA expressed deep concern about violence, intimidation and attacks on school staff and urged the North-West Department of Education to implement stronger protective measures. The union said the injured deputy principal has its support and wished him a full recovery.
"The PSA is committed to protecting the rights, safety, and dignity of educators and will continue engaging the Department of Education and relevant authorities to ensure that practical measures are implemented without delay."
Union demands: security, monitoring and sustained wellbeing support
The PSA wants a range of measures introduced or strengthened at schools across the province. Key demands include tighter control of access to school grounds, provision of sufficient security personnel, effective monitoring systems and quicker on-site emergency response mechanisms. The union also emphasised the need for psychological assistance that is sustained rather than a one-off intervention after an incident.
- Controlled access to school premises to prevent unauthorised entry
- Adequate security personnel at schools, especially at entry points and during peak times
- Rapid-response mechanisms linking schools to local SAPS and emergency services
- Ongoing psychological support for educators exposed to trauma
Impact on educators and school communities
Educators play a central role in communities across the North West and attacks on staff have ripple effects: classrooms can become unsafe spaces for both teachers and learners, morale deteriorates, and schools may struggle to attract or retain qualified personnel. The PSA warned that without practical protections, teachers will be left to perform their duties in fear rather than in safety.
School staff who experience trauma need more than short-term counselling, the union said. It wants robust employee wellness programmes and structured support that is accessible over an extended period. The union framed these measures as essential not only for individual wellbeing but for maintaining the continuity of learning in affected schools.
What the PSA is pressing for — a quick reference
| Area | Immediate action requested |
|---|---|
| Perimeter security | Controlled gates, visitor logs, fencing repairs |
| Personnel | Deployment of trained security officers at vulnerable schools |
| Emergency response | Direct rapid links with SAPS and medical services |
| Psychological services | Long-term counselling and wellness programmes for staff |
Calls for departmental and community action
The PSA urged the North-West Department of Education to take responsibility for strengthening school security across the province and to coordinate with SAPS and municipal authorities where necessary. The union said legal and disciplinary steps must be taken against perpetrators who threaten or attack educators.
Community involvement was also highlighted as critical. Parents, governing bodies and local leaders have roles to play in safeguarding schools and supporting trauma-affected staff, the PSA said.
Context and consequences
Violence in and around schools is not only an occupational-health issue but a barrier to education outcomes. When educators are intimidated or assaulted, lesson continuity suffers and learners lose confidence in the school's ability to provide a safe learning environment. The PSA's intervention is consistent with wider labour movements that stress worker safety as a foundation for public service delivery.
While the PSA's statement does not include details on the motive or suspects in the Mammutla incident, it makes clear that the union expects swift action and sustained support to prevent similar incidents.
What parents and teachers should know
Parents and educators should take note of these practical steps while authorities respond:
- Report any threats or suspicious activity to the school governing body and SAPS immediately.
- Raise safety concerns formally with the provincial Department of Education if local schools do not respond.
- Ask your school to publicise its safety and emergency procedures and to ensure staff know where to access wellness services.
The PSA said it will continue engaging provincial education authorities and other relevant bodies to ensure that promised measures are implemented without delay. The union reiterated that educators have a right to a safe workplace free from violence and intimidation.
Editors’ note: The PSA requested urgent action and pledged continued engagement with the Department of Education and other authorities. The identity of the injured deputy principal and further investigative details were not provided in the statement.
