Renewed fears over safety in public institutions have emerged following a series of violent incidents, including recent shootings at Ntabankulu Junior Secondary School in the Eastern Cape and the Booysens Magistrate’s Court.
These have reignited debate around security measures in schools and other public spaces.
In response, The Saturday Star approached the Department of Education to establish what measures are currently being implemented to ensure the safety of learners and staff on school premises.
The Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona said it has strengthened school security through partnerships with community safety structures and law enforcement agencies.
“Through the Department of Community Safety and Community Police Forums, the GDE has ensured that schools are allocated four patrollers to manage access control and conduct patrols during the day and night,” Mabona said.
He further explained that schools were previously supported by Crime Wardens tasked with monitoring suspicious behaviour around school perimeters.
In addition, partnerships with Business Against Crime have enabled the installation of CCTV systems at some schools to improve monitoring and surveillance.
On broader violence prevention strategies, the department confirmed the existence of a formal partnership between the DBE and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“The DBE and SAPS signed an Implementation Protocol on the Prevention of Crime and Violence in Schools, known as the School Safety Protocol,” the department said.
He also explained that the protocol focuses on developing sustainable short-, medium-, and long-term crime prevention programmes, addressing the root causes of violence, and establishing comprehensive school safety and violence prevention plans.
The department also highlighted the role of School Safety Committees, which are responsible for identifying safety needs, selecting appropriate interventions, mobilising community support, and monitoring the effectiveness of safety initiatives.
In responding to reports of unsafe conditions, the GDE said it works closely with law enforcement agencies and equips schools with response strategies to deal with security threats.
“As Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) we mitigate unsafe conditions through collaboration with Law Enforcement Agencies, capacitating schools on how to respond to unsafe conditions, ensuring that schools adhere to Adopt -A -Cop-programme so as to speedily receive attention in any case of emergency,” the department said.
It added that maintaining secure perimeter fencing remains a priority to prevent unauthorised access during both school hours and after-hours.
However, the department acknowledged ongoing challenges in maintaining safety.
“Unfortunately, budgetary constraints are major factor in ensuring that the department maintains safety in schools-currently we are relying on partnership with non-governmental organisations such as Bright Spark,” the Mabona said.
The recent incidents have intensified calls for stronger, long-term investment in school safety infrastructure and coordinated national strategies to protect learners and educators across the country.
Saturday Star
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