We have become so desensitised to violence that we no longer utter an outcry when we read about the latest violent incidents in our schools. In many areas it is common for learners to carry among their books, knives, guns and other weapons – almost as if these have become their
new educational tools.

In a recent roundtable discussion on school violence in South Africa, the Centre for Justice and Crime Prevention (CJCP) presented the results of its second National School Violence study1. This briefing paper will highlight some of the discussion points.

Written by Kenny Pasensie, Researcher at Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference Parliamentary Liaison Office (CPLO)