Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has reaffirmed his commitment to improving safety in the province’s schools, emphasizing the importance of protecting learners from violence, gangsterism, substance abuse, and bullying.
Chiloane made these remarks during the final School Safety Imbizo held on Saturday at the Ratanda Multipurpose Center in Heidelberg, Sedibeng Municipality. The event brought together education officials, community leaders, and concerned parents to discuss the growing safety concerns affecting schools in the region.
Safety Concerns in Sedibeng Schools
During the meeting, it was revealed that many schools in Sedibeng are grappling with rising incidents of violence both inside and outside school premises. Reports highlighted gangsterism, bullying, and substance abuse as major issues, with some learners being drawn into gang activities that originate from their communities.
Despite these alarming incidents, Chiloane dismissed the notion that certain schools should be classified as “high-risk” institutions. Instead, he placed the blame on external influences, arguing that communities are playing a major role in shaping school environments.
“We look at the community, and correctly so… and those learners are going to be divided along those lines of the gangsters that are outside the school,” Chiloane explained.
He further stressed the need for fact-based reporting, instructing education directors to provide accurate data on school safety rather than sugarcoating the reality.
“The number of incidents that are reported from the school. And I tell the directors, I want facts. Facts, don’t sugarcoat,” he stated.
Addressing Gangsterism and Violence
The issue of gang influence in schools has become a serious challenge, particularly in areas where crime syndicates operate. Many students find themselves caught in the crossfire between rival gangs, leading to violent altercations on school grounds.
Educators and law enforcement officials are concerned that schoolchildren are being recruited into gangs, making it difficult to maintain discipline and order in classrooms.
Parents have also voiced their fears, saying that gang members often loiter around school gates, waiting to intimidate or recruit vulnerable learners.
To tackle these issues, the Department of Education is working with law enforcement agencies and community safety forums to increase security patrols around schools and ensure swift responses to violent incidents.
Substance Abuse and Bullying in Schools
Apart from gangsterism, substance abuse has become another major issue affecting school safety in Sedibeng. Reports suggest that drug dealers target learners, often selling illicit substances near school premises.
Teachers have expressed concerns about the impact of drugs on student behavior, noting that intoxicated learners often disrupt classes, engage in violent altercations, and perform poorly academically.
Additionally, bullying remains a persistent problem, with many learners experiencing physical, verbal, and online harassment. Cases of cyberbullying have also increased, with social media being used as a tool to humiliate and intimidate students.
The department has called on parents and guardians to play a more active role in addressing these issues, urging them to monitor their children’s activities both online and offline.
Government’s Plan to Improve School Safety
To address these growing concerns, the Gauteng Department of Education has outlined several key interventions, including:
- Stronger security measures at schools, including the deployment of school safety officers
- Collaboration with the police and community safety forums to prevent gang-related incidents
- Implementation of anti-bullying programs to educate learners on conflict resolution and respectful behavior
- Stricter measures to combat substance abuse, including random drug tests and increased awareness campaigns
- Encouraging community involvement to ensure that schools remain safe zones for children
Chiloane has emphasized that ensuring school safety requires a collective effort, stating that schools cannot tackle these issues alone. He has urged parents, teachers, law enforcement agencies, and local leaders to work together to create a secure learning environment for all students.
A Call for Action
The final School Safety Imbizo in Heidelberg served as a wake-up call for the community. With incidents of violence, drug abuse, and bullying on the rise, urgent steps need to be taken to safeguard Gauteng’s learners.
While the Education Department’s safety initiatives are a step in the right direction, lasting change will require commitment from all stakeholders. By working together, communities can help create a safe, supportive, and thriving school environment for future generations.