By Lee-Ann Nel
Parents and pupils at several private schools in KwaZulu-Natal have given the thumbs-up to the implementation of a drug-screening programme, maintaining that it will deter pupils from using drugs.
But provincial education spokesperson Mandla Msibi said government schools would not be able to implement a similar programme because of the huge cost involved.
"The programme is a positive idea, but because of the cost it would not be feasible in government schools. We, however, are dealing with the problem by introducing life skills and training courses which do focus on drug abuse and its dangers," he said.
Michaelhouse, Kearsney and Hilton colleges have started the programme and other private schools are considering joining in.
The screening will be done randomly and voluntarily at the schools by doctors and the results will be conveyed to parents.
No disciplinary action will be taken against those who fail an initial test, but the pupil then will have to be counselled before undergoing another test within six weeks.
The chairman of the parents' association at Kearsney, John Sessions, said the school had consulted parents throughout the discussions about the possibility of implementing such a programme.
"The parents have given their overwhelming support for the programme and believe it will act as a deterrent for students," he said.
Kearsney's head boy for next year, Brent Taylor, said the boys supported the programme as it would provide them with another reason not to get involved with drugs.
"We all know that if anyone wants drugs they can find them and this programme will hopefully make them think twice about doing drugs," he said.
Michaelhouse rector Dudley Forde said feedback from meetings with parent representative groups and the pupils showed that the programme would be supported.
"Boys and their parents are fully aware of the benefits of the screening and the idea has been received well."
While these three exclusive schools plan to implement the programme from the new school year, other private schools stil arel looking into the prospect of running random drug tests.
The headmaster of St Mary's, Jeremy Sabine, said that, while his school had not implemented such a programme, it would be an excellent scheme for all schools.
"It would be another reason for pupils to say no to drugs; girls are under no less pressure than boys and also need to be aware of the dangers of drugs."
The director of the South African National Council for Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Carol du Toit, commended the initiative of the schools and said it was important for pupils and parents not to see testing as a punishment, but rather as one of the ways in which schools could eradicate the use of drugs.
"It is important for the schools to know there are ways of rooting out drugs in schools, but it has to be a combined effort between pupils, parents and staff," she said.