Parents in Gauteng have expressed their outrage after the sudden removal of security guards from high-risk schools. The decision has sparked concern over the safety of learners in an already volatile educational environment. With reports of violence, drug abuse, and gangsterism on the rise, the absence of security personnel is raising alarms about the well-being of students.
The Controversial Decision to Remove Security Guards
In early August 2025, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) made the decision to terminate contracts with security companies providing services to 32 of the province’s high-risk schools. The abrupt action left parents and community members questioning the rationale behind such a decision, especially in light of the increasing security threats at these schools.
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Parents Express Concerns About Learner Safety
The most immediate response from parents has been one of fear and frustration. Tyrone Jacobs, a parent from Coronationville, expressed his disbelief, fearing that the security guards had been pulled due to non-payment. “I thought they quit because they were not getting paid, and that’s why they eventually stopped,” Jacobs said in an interview.
For many parents, security guards are seen as a necessary presence to maintain order in schools plagued by violence. Without these guards, many fear the escalation of already existing problems.
The Strain on School Safety
The removal of security guards comes as a response to rising concerns over safety in Gauteng’s schools. High-risk schools in areas such as Soweto, Germiston, and Alexandra have faced ongoing incidents of student violence, substance abuse, and gang-related activities. The Gauteng Department of Education has acknowledged that a review of the school safety strategies is needed, yet many parents feel that removing security is a step backwards.
Temporary Measures to Address Safety
In response to the removal of security, the Department of Education has deployed temporary “intervention guards” at some of these schools. However, these measures are seen as inadequate by many. Residents, like Kenny Makenzo, have expressed doubts about the ability of these interim guards to manage the violent outbreaks that have become commonplace at these schools.
“The problem is that these temporary guards cannot handle the level of violence at these schools. There are not enough of them, and they lack the training to deal with serious incidents,” Makenzo stated.
Community Reaction to the Withdrawal
Parents and local residents have started to voice their discontent on social media and at public meetings. Many are calling for the immediate reinstatement of security guards to ensure the safety of students.
At Sizwe Secondary School in Germiston, students reported that while security guards had been helpful in the past, their numbers were never enough to control the violence. “Yes, there are guards, but like only two, and it’s not really enough because they sometimes also get beaten up when they try to come in between fights,” said a Grade 9 student.
A Wake-Up Call for Educational Authorities
The removal of security guards serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges in Gauteng’s high-risk schools. While the Department of Education has justified this decision as part of a broader strategy review, it has clearly ignited a much-needed conversation about the safety of learners in the province.
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Government’s Justification for the Move
The Gauteng Department of Education, through spokesperson Steve Mabona, explained that the removal of security guards was part of an ongoing review of security deployment at schools. “The situation at high-risk schools is being closely monitored. We are making adjustments to ensure a more efficient and effective safety strategy,” Mabona said in an official statement.
Financial Issues Behind the Withdrawal
Reports indicate that financial issues may be a key factor behind the termination of security contracts. Sources suggest that some security companies have not been paid on time, leading to the decision to withdraw their personnel. This has further compounded the sense of frustration among parents, who feel their children’s safety is being compromised due to budgetary concerns.
Calls for Immediate Action from Authorities
In light of the growing concern, parents are urging the Gauteng Department of Education to take immediate action. The lack of security personnel is not only a risk to learners but also to teachers and the surrounding communities.
“It is essential that we prioritise the safety of our children. If we do not act now, the consequences could be dire,” one concerned parent said.
Looking to the Future: What Needs to Be Done
As Gauteng grapples with school safety issues, there is an urgent need for a more sustainable approach. Parents and educators alike are calling for better security protocols, more trained personnel, and improved monitoring systems to safeguard learners from harm. While temporary measures may provide some relief, a long-term solution is needed to ensure that all students can study in a safe and secure environment.
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The decision to remove security guards from high-risk schools in Gauteng has sparked significant outrage among parents, community members, and educators. The concerns are valid, as the removal of security personnel in schools already struggling with violence could exacerbate the safety crisis. With parents and community leaders calling for immediate action, the Gauteng Department of Education must reconsider its strategy and prioritise the safety of learners in high-risk schools.
