The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has launched an investigation into violent clashes that erupted among learners at Centenary Secondary School in Asherville, Durban, on Tuesday. The altercations forced the suspension of classes as tensions escalated beyond control.
Reports indicate that the violence broke out around 9 a.m., prompting multiple private security firms to respond to emergency calls from the school. While the exact cause of the conflict remains unconfirmed, initial allegations suggest that the clashes may have been fueled by a racially charged incident.
The Department of Education has confirmed that several students were injured, with some requiring hospitalization. Disturbing details have surfaced on social media, indicating that one of the injured learners sustained a broken nose and required surgery.
Department spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi stated that a team of officials has been dispatched to the school to conduct a thorough fact-finding mission. These officials are engaging with the school’s management, educators, students, and parents to piece together the events that led to the outbreak of violence. Mahlambi emphasized that the department is also working in close collaboration with law enforcement authorities to ensure that those responsible for instigating or escalating the violence are held accountable.
“Our priority is to restore calm and provide the necessary support to the affected learners,” Mahlambi said. He added that the department will maintain close oversight of the situation and take decisive measures, in partnership with all stakeholders, to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Mahlambi condemned the violence and any form of discrimination, stressing that such acts have no place in educational institutions. “They undermine the core values of respect, tolerance, and unity that we seek to instill in our learners,” he remarked.
As investigations continue, the Department of Education is committed to ensuring that the school environment is safe, supportive, and conducive to learning for all students.
