A shocking video in which an adult woman appears to be hitting a child at a nursery school in Carletonville in Gauteng represents everything that is wrong with the South African education system.
           
“A very large part of the education system is based on trust. Whether a nursery school or a public school, parents have no choice but to trust those in whose care they leave their children for a large part of the day,” says Mr Paul Colditz, CEO of the Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools (FEDSAS).
           
Colditz says FEDSAS welcomes the decisive action by the Gauteng Department of Social Development. The teacher has been arrested and the nursery school will be closed.
           
“However, incidents such as these damage the image of education in unimaginable ways. In the eyes of the public education is a single system – from early childhood development all the way to tertiary education. And this view is actually correct as all role-players that form part a child’s education journey contribute to his or her success.”
           
Colditz says FEDSAS is of the view that there cannot be a single weak link in the education chain. “South Africa has a serious issue with violence. Children who experience violence at the hands of those in positions of authority will always struggle to trust other people in a similar position. Eventually this leads to disciplinary problems once formal education starts. An incident like this also highlights the importance of parents’ close involvement with the school system. Governing bodies in the case of formal education and even the oversight role of the various government departments involved in education in one or other way are extremely valuable.
           
“A total breakdown of trust between parents and educators will bring the education system to a halt. However, trust cannot be legislated. The only solution is better and more regular training for all role-players involved in education. For instance, FEDSAS focuses on governing bodies and parent involvement, while other organisations address other aspects and role-players. In the end, it remains a team effort.”