Department hosts School Safety Imbizo in Tsakani
Safety challenges were addressed at the imbizo.
Tsakani – The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) held an MEC School Safety Imbizo in Tsakani at the Faranani Multipurpose Centre to address safety challenges affecting the surrounding schools on November 23.
The community, parents, stakeholders, teachers, law enforcement agencies, social partners and government organisations gathered to participate in the imbizo.
In a statement released by the department, MEC for Education in Gauteng, Matome Chiloane, said, “This is the second imbizo in the series that will culminate in a School Safety Summit early in 2025.
“In our engagements with communities, several important issues emerged, some not necessarily related to school safety but to general learner well-being and safety. These include learner transport accidents and food poisoning,” said Chiloane.
Resident Juila Diale said as a parent, she is always concerned for her children’s safety, particularly because of the recent food poisoning in schools.
“I am happy to see the GDE taking measures to curb this problem. It is amazing to see that our children are in good and safe hands and that responsible steps are put in place to ensure the safety of our kids in schools is taken care of.
“This imbizo was crucial. It provided us with all the information and answers we have looked for,” said Diale.
She added that as community members, they could always work with the department by raising awareness based on the matters highlighted during the imbizo.
The statement further said the department and the schooling community were deeply affected by food poisonings. It said these incidents have seen the loss of at least 20 young lives, with over 400 learners hospitalised.
“As a result, the department had to act in the best interest of the learners by temporarily suspending the sale of food. It was not easy taking this decision. However, we were mindful of the potential adverse effect on informal traders and small businesses.
The department has lifted the ban. But I must emphasise the following:
• Compliance with food safety standards: All traders and businesses must ensure the food they sell is safe for consumption.
• Obtain permits: Traders must get the necessary permits from municipal offices.
• Avoid selling repackaged or expired food: This applies to perishables and non-perishables.
• Maintain clean stalls and food stations: Hygiene is non-negotiable.
• Use clean, non-recycled water: Water used for food preparation and washing must be clean and safe.
• Avoid multi-use of water: The same water must not be used for different purposes, such as washing hands and dishes.
• To maintain hygiene during food handling: Use dry, clean clothes or paper towels.
•Consider learner safety near traffic: Food sales near or across busy roads pose risks to learners and must be carefully managed.
Chiloane said the department had issued a memo and regulations, guidelines and standard operating procedures that must be adhered to.
“These documents are critical in ensuring the safety and well-being of our learners and should be consulted regularly. This issue is about learner safety.
“As we start our discussions on the critical issue of school safety, it is essential to frame our conversation within the right context. For instance, peaceful communities tend to foster safe schools, while those marked by violence often see similar behaviours manifest in their educational environments,” said Chiloane.
He said the department has various measures to curb these issues. These include securing access to schools, search and seizures, security guards, patroller recruitment and deployment and partnering with community structures and law enforcement agencies.
“However, despite these interventions, I continue to receive reports – in fact – disturbing reports of violence, bullying, arson, vandalism and several other reports,” he said.
He asked parents to intervene through parental and community meetings to address the ongoing issues and urged law enforcement agencies to continue random searches and seizure operations.
“Educational awareness initiatives will include talks and awareness: Educational talks on various critical topics. Prison Programme: Guided tour and dialogue arranged at Boksburg Correctional Services to raise awareness,” he added.
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