26/09/2026
MEDIA STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COSAS IBR WELCOMES PROGRESS IN ADDRESSING STUDENT GRIEVANCES AT GREYTOWN SECONDARY SCHOOL
The Congress of South African Students (COSAS) Inkosi Bhambatha Region notes the events that took place at Greytown Secondary School and the concerns raised by students regarding their welfare, treatment, school policies and the broader learning environment.
Following the student protest, COSAS Inkosi Bhambatha Region engaged with students and undertook a process of understanding the grievances that led to the action. The concerns raised included matters relating to the school Code of Conduct, school uniforms, discrimination, student welfare, mental health support, student representation, class sizes and fairness in the education environment.
COSAS recognises that students have a right to raise concerns affecting their education, dignity and welfare. At the same time, COSAS maintains that student struggles must be organised strategically and pursued through proper structures and processes. Student activism must develop conscious, disciplined and organised young people who are able to engage institutions while advancing the interests of students.
ENGAGEMENT WITH SCHOOL MANAGEMENT
As part of the process to resolve the matter, a meeting between COSAS Inkosi Bhambatha Region and the Principal of Greytown Secondary School took place.
The engagement was constructive and focused on the grievances raised by students and the steps required to address them. *It was agreed that the grievances raised by the students will be attended to and addressed through the appropriate school processes.*
COSAS welcomes this commitment and will continue to engage the school to ensure that the concerns raised by students do not simply remain matters of discussion, but are translated into concrete actions and meaningful outcomes.
CODE OF CONDUCT AND STUDENT PARTICIPATION
One of the central matters raised by students is the need to review aspects of the school's Code of Conduct.
COSAS believes that students must be meaningfully consulted in matters that directly affect them. The South African Schools Act requires public school governing bodies to adopt Codes of Conduct after consultation with students, parents and educators, while the Code must provide for due process and fair disciplinary procedures.
The concerns raised at Greytown Secondary School therefore require constructive engagement between students, the RCL, school management, the SGB and other relevant stakeholders.
COSAS further supports the strengthening of student representation structures so that students have organised and recognised channels through which concerns can be raised and taken forward.
STUDENT WELFARE AND SAFETY
The meeting also raised concerns regarding student mental health and the need for accessible support at school.
COSAS calls for greater attention to the psychological wellbeing of students and supports the establishment of safe and confidential mechanisms through which students can seek assistance when experiencing mental health difficulties, discrimination, abuse or other challenges.
Schools have a responsibility to promote an environment that supports the safety and wellbeing of students and enables effective teaching and learning.
UNIFORMS, DISCRIMINATION AND FAIRNESS
Students also raised concerns regarding school uniform requirements and the financial pressure placed on families who may struggle to afford certain uniform items.
COSAS believes that school rules must be applied fairly and consistently and that students should not be subjected to humiliation or exclusion because of their socio-economic circumstances.
Concerns relating to discrimination must similarly be taken seriously and addressed through appropriate processes so that every student can learn in an environment characterised by dignity, equality and respect.
ON THE STUDENT PROTEST
COSAS acknowledges that the process leading to the protest could have been handled differently.
Student concerns should ordinarily be tabled through the appropriate structures, including the RCL and engagements with school management, before escalation to public action. Where meetings fail to produce meaningful responses, students may consider further lawful and peaceful forms of engagement in accordance with applicable legal requirements. The Constitution protects the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and petition peacefully and unarmed.
However, the fact that the process was not followed correctly must not become an opportunity to victimise or crucify students.
Mistakes must be used as opportunities for political education, organisational development and leadership development. The responsibility of COSAS is to educate and organise students so that they understand both their rights and responsibilities and are able to lead struggles in a disciplined, strategic and constructive manner.
WAY FORWARD
COSAS Inkosi Bhambatha Region will continue to monitor the implementation of the commitments made during the engagement with the Principal.
The organisation will further work with the student structures to ensure that:
1. The grievances raised by students are properly documented and addressed.
2. The Code of Conduct concerns are taken through the appropriate consultation process.
3. Student representation structures are strengthened.
4. Mental health and student welfare concerns receive appropriate attention.
5. Concerns relating to discrimination and unfair treatment are addressed.
6. Uniform-related concerns are considered fairly and sensitively.
7. Students are educated on proper organisational and escalation processes.
8. Engagement between students and school management is strengthened.
9. Teaching, learning and the academic programme remain protected throughout the process.
COSAS welcomes the commitment from the Principal to address the grievances of the students and expects continued engagement until the agreed matters have been meaningfully attended to.
The struggle for quality, equal and accessible education requires organised students, accountable institutions and meaningful participation by the student body.
COSAS Inkosi Bhambatha Region remains committed to its responsibility of representing the interests of students, defending their rights and developing a generation of conscious, disciplined and organised young leaders.
Ends
Each one ,Teach one
