The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a secure, transparent and supportive learning environment across the province’s public schools.

In a statement issued on August 5, the department highlighted a series of interventions targeting school safety, disaster preparedness and corruption, while also responding to environmental challenges, such as illegal mining activities near educational facilities.

Mining activity impacts school safety

According to the GDE, several schools are negatively affected by their proximity to legal and illegal mining sites.

There are issues of ground instability, air pollution, and deteriorating infrastructure caused by environmental degradation.

Thirteen schools in Gauteng west, Centurion and Ekurhuleni south have been earmarked for rehabilitation. They include Boiteko Primary School, Laerskool Fleur and Laerskool Louis Leipoldt.

In the Vereeniging and Vanderbijlpark regions, 11 schools are undergoing structural rehabilitation due to concrete corrosion and damage caused by prolonged industrial exposure.

Building safety capacity through training

The department has held extensive disaster management training for staff across all districts, including fire safety, hazard identification and risk assessment.

Furthermore, learners receive education on mining and environmental safety through the national Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement, integrated into social sciences, life orientation, natural sciences and geography across the intermediate and senior phases.

First aid training for learners and staff

Under the department’s Multi-Certification Skills Programme, learners are provided with accredited first aid training that includes CPR, burn treatment, fracture care and seizure response.

Between 2021 and 2024, over 1 000 learners in 212 schools participated in the programme, which is aligned with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Additionally, 315 staff members have received first aid training over the past three years, with 116 schools currently hosting trained personnel as part of their school safety committees.

Safety compliance and awareness initiatives

The GDE continues to monitor safety compliance by distributing first aid kits, offering refresher training and ensuring that schools with identified deficiencies are swiftly supported. Each school trains three to four staff members to maintain capacity in the event of staff turnover.

Politically affiliated organisations are prohibited

The department reiterated that it does not endorse or permit politically affiliated student organisations, such as the Congress of South African Students and the Pan Africanist Student Organisation, within school premises.

Only the Representative Councils of Learners are recognised, and any external bodies must operate without disrupting teaching or breaching school policy.

Disruptions linked to such organisations have been addressed through partnerships with law enforcement, with criminal charges laid in cases involving vandalism, intimidation or violence.

These actions fall under the scope of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Bill, which criminalises school disruptions.

Anti-corruption measures

Over the past five years, the department recorded one corruption-related incident linked to the decontamination of schools.

The Special Investigating Unit led the inquiry, resulting in disciplinary action, legal proceedings and a criminal referral to the SAPS.

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said the department remains dedicated to public accountability and sustainable improvements in governance, safety and learner well-being.

“We take seriously any issues raised within our sector. Through policy interventions, monitoring and partnerships, we aim to ensure all schools meet safety and compliance standards,” Chiloane concluded.