The ongoing problem of school vandalism, theft and violence has been a sore point for many schools over the years.
During the December 2023 holiday season, over 20 schools were robbed and vandalized in the Western Cape. In 2022, about 42 schools reported that they suffered from criminal activity. The Western Cape Department of Education said that schools have lost valuable items such as gas cylinders, computers and cameras.
“We recorded 26 incidents of burglary and vandalism at 24 schools over the holiday period,” Western Cape Education MEC, David Maynier said. “While this is a significant decrease compared to the same holiday period last year, we are nonetheless disappointed that once again, our schools must pick up the pieces after criminal damage and theft.”
MEC Maynier said that the behavior of these criminals and their criminal activities, sabotages the future of children. He added that funds meant for educational purposes – which were already cut by over R7 million – have to be diverted to replace items that have been stolen, or repair damaged infrastructure.
Meanwhile the Gauteng Department of Education has implemented measures to help create a healthy, safer schooling environment and instill discipline. Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane called all forces with the necessary resources during the School Safety Indaba to assist in implementing ways to make schools a safer environment.
Chiloane has praised the commitment of the security guards appointed to take care of schools. He highlighted that they are not trained for the job or armed to defend themselves against criminals. Chiloane pointed out that a school patroller was killed trying to protect the school’s property and another was stabbed by a school learner. He said most schools lack resources such as cameras, and controlled access to make the premises a safer place.
“The department and school lack resources to improve the physical environment, such as installing CCTV footage, deploying security guards and ensuring proper access control, especially to prevent illegal substances and weapons,” he said.
The MEC has encouraged communities to take care of learners and the school property. He urged parents and the community not to vandalize the school property when trying to address their challenges in the society.
Safer South Africa Foundation CEO, General Riah Phiyega said the foundation’s flagship crime-prevention initiative was implemented to complement the efforts of schools in educating learners on the importance of mutual respect, adherence to the law, and the fundamental human rights of safety, security, and dignity.
