A rural KwaZulu-Natal high school was forced to close for a week because children from three villages decided to settle old scores at the school, the community safety department said.

The Ukukhanyakweze High School in KwaMaphumulo, near KwaDukuza (Stanger), had to be closed when stick-fighting during traditional ceremonies spilled over into the school, MEC Willies Mchunu said in a statement.

The school had since reopened, he said.

"I am disturbed to learn that some parents are happy and supportive of this conflict," said Mchunu, who visited the area on Tuesday.

"Those who do this thing are wrong and they should know that. Nothing productive comes out of fighting. Violence begets death, graves and endless hatred."

He was particularly concerned about the future of matric pupils who should be preparing for examinations in a peaceful environment and not in a conflict-ravaged school.