Gauteng Education Department Raises Alarm Over Rising Gang Influence and Drug Access in High-Risk Schools
In a stark revelation about safety in Gauteng’s educational sector, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane highlighted a growing concern for students’ welfare across 245 schools in the province, identifying them as high-risk environments. Addressing these issues during the department’s first school safety imbizo in Klipspruit, south of Johannesburg, Chiloane attributed the high-risk status to prevalent issues in surrounding communities, such as gangsterism, drug access, and violence.
Communities Impacting School Safety
Chiloane emphasized the extent to which school environments reflect their surrounding communities. He stated, “What occurs in these communities inevitably influences what happens within our schools,” noting that schools located in peaceful areas tend to be safer, while those in communities struggling with crime and substance abuse face similar risks within their educational settings. This proximity to crime-laden areas has reportedly led to dangerous items, such as knives, machetes, and firearms, being brought onto school premises by students.
Blame on Parental Involvement
Highlighting a gap in parental responsibility, Chiloane argued that increased parental involvement could help curb these issues. “I blame the parents because they are not doing what they are supposed to be doing,” he remarked, pointing out low attendance at parent meetings and limited supervision of children’s behaviour as contributing factors. He urged parents to take a more proactive role in supporting school safety measures and monitoring their children’s activities.
Criticism of Police Intervention and Praise for Private Security
The Gauteng Education Department has implemented various initiatives to address school safety concerns, including the “adopt-a-cop” program, where police officers are designated to regularly engage with specific schools. However, Chiloane criticized this program’s effectiveness, citing police absenteeism as a recurring issue. “It’s a good program,” Chiloane admitted, “but it’s not there because the police are not doing what they are supposed to do.”
While he called for enhanced police participation, Chiloane commended private security personnel at schools for their consistent support in maintaining a safer environment, urging further collaboration between police forces and local government to create a more robust safety framework.
Intervention Plans Moving Forward
In light of these challenges, the Gauteng Education Department plans to bolster its safety initiatives, including advocating for a stronger police presence in high-risk areas. Additionally, calls for installing CCTV cameras in high-risk schools, like those in Eldorado Park, are gaining traction, providing a potential pathway to enhance security.
With gangsterism and drug access threatening the educational landscape, the Gauteng Education Department, under the guidance of MEC Chiloane, is taking a firm stance to safeguard schools. However, the success of these initiatives hinges on the collective efforts of parents, law enforcement, and communities to protect students and create a conducive learning environment.
