WATCH: KZN schools take on viral #Schoolbag TikTok challenge

Police in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) had to disperse a rowdy and unruly crowd of pupils in Phoenix who embarked on the viral TikTok #SchoolsChallenge.  At least 5 schools were reported to have done the challenge on Monday, 21 February.

Other schools in the country have also embraced the #SchoolsChallenge which started out as #SchoolbagChallenge in January. They brought washing machines, prams, cooler boxes, supermarket trolleys and other items instead of school bags. 

KZN SCHOOLS TAKE ON THE NO SCHOOL BAG CHALLENGE 

The challenge gained momentum in February and saw learners coming to school dressed in their parent’s clothes. They are now dancing on top of their teachers’ cars and school roofs.

KZN police spokesperson, Colonel Thembeka Mbele said on 21 February 2022, pupils from different schools in Phoenix embarked on rebellious behaviour. They illegally gathered in groups, stoning vehicles, and disrupting school and damaging school property. 

“One of the motives behind this, is that they are allegedly following a Tik Tok challenge, where the video challenged cross gender dressing , where male pupils must wear skirts to school.  At 12.00 they decided to move to Woodview Park , chanting, running around with sticks in the park. The police were called and the crowd was dispersed.”

Police spokesperson, Colonel Thembeka Mbele

KZN Education spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi said learners are busy vandalising schools infrastructure and teachers’ cars following a TikTok challenge that may put their lives in danger. 

“Even worse, now they climb on top of the roofs that they are not even sure how strong they are. These actions pose danger in their lives because what if the roof collapses with a learner and they get injured or die? I have also seen a video of learners pulling the teacher’s car wipers off, which is wrong.”

Muzi Mahlambi

Mahlambi added that these challenges are dangerous and they waste school time as learners focus on taking these videos instead of focusing on their schoolwork. 

“Learners must use their data in doing their school.”

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