KwaZulu-Natal's Premier announces safety measures to combat school violence

In response to escalating safety concerns at schools due to high levels of crime, including acts of violence, and substance abuse, the chairperson of the Parents Association of KwaZulu-Natal, Vee Gani, has called for a decisive approach towards learners involved in serious misconduct.

Gani’s remarks follow Premier Thami Ntuli’s announcement of a comprehensive provincial plan aimed at addressing pressing safety issues within the school environment in Durban yesterday.

As part of the provincial government's efforts to enhance security, the office of the Premier, in collaboration with the police and the Department of Education, identified 60 schools classified as 'hot spots' for the installation of CCTV cameras.

To date, 20 schools across King Cetshwayo, eThekwini, and Amajuba Districts have already received the security upgrades via an initiative that cost R1 million.

During yesterday's media briefing at the Archie Gumede Conference Centre in Mayville, Premier Ntuli articulated a broader vision aimed at integrating arts, culture, and sport within schools as vital components for promoting a culture of debate and positive social messaging.

"Our goal is clear: to foster a culture of safety, non-violence, and mutual respect, empowering learners as ambassadors of peace," he declared.

To formalise the efforts, a memorandum of understanding will be established among the Departments of Community Safety and Liaison, Education, Sport, Arts and Culture, and the SAPS, which is aimed at enhancing their collaborative efforts.

Ntuli also called for collective responsibility in safeguarding learners.

"Communities must guard against vandalism and crime. Parents must remain present and guide their children," he asserted while addressing educators and the youth. "Learners, your voices matter. Your leadership matters."

He said that the safety of children was non-negotiable. "Let us inspire new hope. Together, let us build a safer today and tomorrow for every child in KwaZulu-Natal," said Ntuli.

Gani highlighted the persistent struggles that schools and parents have faced regarding safety and discipline. He acknowledged that the presence of offender pupils posed a significant risk to the educational prospects of responsible learners.

"Learners involved in serious crime should be removed from the school environment," he suggested, so that it would become safe for those who were committed to learning.

While Gani preferred a firm approach to maintaining discipline at schools, he also supported the premier’s initiative and regarded it as a necessary step towards fortifying existing frameworks. "This would only strengthen the initiatives already in place," Gani believes.

He emphasised that a holistic approach that incorporated various stakeholders, including school governing bodies (SGB), parents, learners, police, child welfare organisations, community, and religious leaders was needed.

With increasing incidents of violence within schools, Gani reiterated the need for stringent enforcement of a School Code of Conduct. "We must act immediately against those who violate the learning space and set an example that there will be consequences for their illegal actions," he said.

Ntuli also announced that the government will be working in partnership with the Provincial Scouts Structure in the province, which will assist in electing and training school ambassadors. So far, there are about 232 ambassadors across the province.

DAILY NEWS