THE FUSE

In the month of March, we commemorate Human Rights Day, and it is a moment to reflect on the fundamental rights of every child, especially the right to safety, dignity, and education. Across South Africa, schools are meant to be safe spaces for learning and development. Yet for many learners, particularly in under-resourced communities, school environments are increasingly marked by bullying, sexual abuse, corporal punishment, gang-related activity, and intimidation. A recent fact sheet prepared by the research team at Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation highlights the alarming scale of violence in educational institutions and the urgent need for solutions that go beyond enforcement.