Even though it happened outside the school grounds, the fatal stabbing of King Edward VII pupil Mfundo Ntshangase cannot be separated from the perennial problem of indiscipline at schools.

Even though it happened outside the school grounds, the fatal stabbing of King Edward VII pupil Mfundo Ntshangase cannot be separated from the perennial problem of indiscipline at schools.

An indisputable manifestation of the menace is school violence and substance abuse, which often translate into more serious problems such as pregnancies and the high dropout-rate.

The grim reality is that pupils are not immune to social problems affecting their neighbourhoods - such as crime, violence and drug abuse. Many communities are grappling with the spectre of school violence and the concomitant social issues with some success while others have long despaired.

An eerie example of increasing criminal activity at schools are two recent incidents in which pupils were found with dagga and plastic bombs.

Mfundo's death therefore must awaken both parents and teachers to accept that the task of moulding children is a shared responsibility.

Both must realise the value chain starts at home with parents who are actively involved in the education of their children and extends to teachers operating in an equally nurturing school environment.

Shirking this responsibility would not only amount to parental neglect but also lack of will on the part of education authorities to act in a situation needing urgent interventions.