Many angry words from concerned citizens have been expressed concerning the vicious initiation assault on Parktown Boys' High pupils.
We now need a categorical assurance from the school authorities that the perennial, medieval-style bullying will now cease.
It is obvious that there has been a lack of sufficient will by the Gauteng authorities and school principals to curb such abhorrent practices which are a blight on a civilised society.
The usual lame response is depressingly predictable whenever yet another disgusting incident surfaces again.
First, sterling newspapers like The Star do an admirable job in exposing the incidents and culprits.
Psychologists then appear on Noeleen Maholwana-Sangqu's television show expressing regret about the scale of violent acts in schools, and giving frumpy explanations that these unsavoury incidents merely mirror society in general.
On the same show, there is usually a wimpish sounding official from the Gauteng Education Department mouthing platitudes.
There will be a disciplinary inquiry at the school concerned and inappropriately light censures handed down.
Usually these are withdrawal of privileges until the end of term, a few weeks away. The head boy will not be demoted.
Last year an Edenvale school girl was humiliated when she was made to run naked across a beach in a school excursion initiation ceremony. As usual, fearing victimisation from other children and teachers, there was no support as the girl's mother made efforts to obtain sufficient redress.
There is only one way to immediately nip this scourge in the bud.
Parents are held criminally liable for the acts of minor children. Similarly, when these children are in the care of a school principal or teacher, they must be held liable.
Abba Flint
Randhart, Alberton
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