A.School Safety:
Playing a role in the implementation of School Safety Framework, DOE and Civilian Secretariat for Police Service signed a school safety protocol which clearly outlined role of each party to align with the departments roles as outlined in the protocol. In the interest of safe schooling environment in the province, the department intend implement sustainable and integrated school safety programme which commence with school safety audit for identification of school safety needs and prioritize accordingly. In collaboration with other stakeholders and partners will then jointly implement relevant safety and crime prevention interventions, such as awareness programmes, school fencing, installation of alarm systems, panic buttons, crime consequence tours to correctional/ rehabilitation centres, etc.
What makes this school vulnerable?
Infrastructure (DOE – DOPW )
Approach -Projects to explore in 2025/2026
Identification schools in Hot-spot areas
Panic Button
CCTV Cameras in schools
Capacitation of School Safety Committees
Discouraging learners from committing crime:
Prison Visits: This is a school safety project whereby learners from different schools are identified. The identified learners are taken to the prisons and have a tour inside the prison facility. The aim of this project is to expose them to the conditions of the prison environment. This project serves as deterrent for the young people to continue and commit crime.
The search and seizure: This is a school safety project where the Department of Community Safety and Liaison and SAPS will conduct unannounced to alleged problematic schools in the province. The team will conducts random search in school, searching learners themselves, their school bags, the school yards and the surroundings sometimes with the sniffing dogs. In most instances, drugs, dangerous weapons and even firearms are found and confiscated in these operations. (Collaboration )
Sports against crime: This is a school safety project which will be conducted by the department with learners in schools. Sporting activities are organised in school to try and take learners away from the streets but keep them busy in sports collaborating with DSAC.
School debates: In this project learners from schools will be involved in formal debates on crime related topics. The debates are conducted from the circuits, the districts up to the Provincial level. Performing learners are given some prices to appreciate their efforts. (collaboration with DOE)
School Patrollers
Allocation of at least 2 safety patrollers per school
Road Shows: School and campus safety -educational material (Memeza device, bracelets, stationery) ambassador artists
: Campaign on social media
B.Campus Safety
Campus safety is a growing concern within the communities. As a result, the department plans to strengthen its contribution towards safe tertiary institutions in the province. Department will play a significant role in addressing safety issues, through various measures. The department will strengthen partnerships between local police and campuses to ensure faster responses to emergencies, intelligence sharing and patrols around the campus. Advocating for firm laws and penalties around GBVF, harassment, and crimes on campuses is crucial. The government could push for the enforcement of stricter policies that directly address campus-related issues.
Implementation of crime prevention awareness campaigns and preventative measures such as education on self-defense strategies as well as victim empowerment initiatives, Further, Capacitation of safety structures within the Tertiary Institutions. Roll out of GBVF App.
