Ensuring safer learning environments across the country is the key objective of the Safe Schools Protocol (SSP), a joint framework between the South African Police Service (Saps) and the Department of Basic Education (DBE).
SSP was launched by ministers Senzo Mchunu and Siviwe Gwarube in Cape Town this week. It aims to tackle the “alarming rates” of violence, crime and insecurity in schools.
According to the 2023/2024 crime statistics, 28 murders were reported within basic education institutions, with nearly half occurring in KwaZulu-Natal, with 46% involving learner-on-learner violence.
Additionally, two-thirds of reported rapes in schools involved learner-on-learner violence and over 11 000 burglaries were recorded.
An accompanying work plan has been developed, outlining practical, measurable and time-sensitive actions.
These include joint school safety audits, the revision of standard operating procedures, and measures to ensure compliance with legislation regulating liquor outlets near schools.
Gwarube says the SSP encourages shared responsibility, integrating various stakeholders into the safety ecosystem. “This is not just a piece of paper but an instrument to ensure the safety of learners and teachers in schools.”
According to Gwarube, 283 schools have been identified in hotspot areas.
Gen Fannie Masemola, National Police Commissioner, says the objective of the SSP is to ensure improved learning environments for children.
He says children’s safety is a collective responsibility. He appeals to parents not to transfer this to the police.
“We will ensure that a police officer is dedicated to each school across the country.”
According to Mchunu, Western Cape is one of four provinces with the highest crime rate.
He says between Thursday 22 May and Wednesday 11 June this year four learners were killed in separate incidents in Samora Machel.
“As the police, we are committed to playing our part in reversing these trends. As part of our strategy, we are increasing visibility throughout the country. We have identified a number of enablers, which will be implemented to fight and deter crime before it happens.”
