Crime, bullying, gangsterism and drug abuse have emerged as the biggest threats facing learners in Gauteng, with communities across the province warning that educational outcomes will remain under pressure unless school safety is urgently strengthened.
This emerged from Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile’s post-consultative report on the province-wide “It Takes a Village to Raise a Child” outreach programme, which engaged more than 11,000 residents between May and July this year.
According to the report, concerns about violence in and around schools were consistently raised by parents, educators, learners and community leaders throughout the engagements.
“Regardless of district, parents, educators, learners, faith-based organisations and community leaders consistently raised concerns about crime, violence, bullying, gangsterism, substance abuse, vandalism, weapons, intimidation and gender-based violence affecting schools and surrounding communities,” Maile said.
The MEC said the findings highlighted a direct link between unsafe communities and poor educational outcomes.
“Learning cannot flourish where fear dominates. The future of the African child depends on creating environments where every learner feels physically safe, emotionally secure and socially valued,” he said.
The report found that communities were calling for stronger visible policing around schools, intensified anti-drug campaigns, improved learner discipline and expanded psychosocial support services.
However, Maile stressed that law enforcement alone would not solve the problem.
“Policing alone cannot solve violence,” he said, adding that parental involvement remained critical in addressing learner behaviour and safeguarding schools.
The MEC warned that schools could not be insulated from the social challenges affecting surrounding communities.
“Schools cannot become islands surrounded by communities experiencing violence, crime and social instability,” he said.
The province said it would continue strengthening partnerships with the South African Police Service, Community Policing Forums, municipalities and social service professionals to improve safety around educational institutions.
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Wendy Dondolo
iol.co.za
