The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has identified 245 high-risk schools across the province as it intensifies efforts to combat crime, violence, bullying and substance abuse in schools.

The findings emerged from a comprehensive environmental analysis conducted by the Matthew Goniwe School of Leadership and Governance, which profiled more than 1 300 schools across Gauteng.

According to the department, school safety remains one of the most pressing concerns raised by parents, educators, School Governing Bodies (SGBs) and community stakeholders during engagements held through the department’s Thuto Pele – It Takes a Village to Raise a Child programme.

The study found that many school safety challenges are linked to broader community issues, including gang-related violence, bullying, substance abuse, sexual harassment, vandalism, theft and criminal activity in areas surrounding schools.

To address these concerns, the department has expanded security interventions at schools identified as high-risk.

Private security services have been deployed to 121 schools, while CCTV systems have been installed at 606 schools across Gauteng.

A total of 422 schools currently benefit from private security support.

The department said criminal activity targeting schools continues to place significant pressure on educational resources, with incidents of vandalism, break-ins, damaged fencing and theft resulting in costly repairs and disruptions to teaching and learning.

School safety concerns also extend beyond physical security.

Through partnerships with organisations such as the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Childline Gauteng, the Teddy Bear Foundation and the Isibindi Ezikoleni Programme, thousands of learners have received psychosocial support and mental health interventions.

In April alone, SADAG’s school-based programmes reached more than 11 000 learners and over 150 educators, focusing on issues such as depression, anxiety, suicide prevention, bullying and substance abuse.

The department said evidence from these programmes highlights the growing need for mental health support, trauma counselling and learner wellbeing initiatives as part of a holistic approach to school safety.

The GDE has also launched a review of its School Safety Strategy, which is expected to be finalised during 2026.

The revised strategy will focus on prevention, early intervention, stakeholder collaboration and technology-driven solutions to improve safety outcomes.

Education authorities have called on parents, communities, law enforcement agencies and civil society organisations to play a more active role in protecting schools and supporting learners.

“The safety of learners and educators is not negotiable,” the department said, adding that creating safe schools remains essential to improving educational outcomes and learner wellbeing across the province.

• 245 Gauteng schools have been identified as high-risk.
• More than 1 300 schools were assessed in a province-wide safety study.
• CCTV systems have been installed at 606 schools.
• 422 schools receive private security support.
• Key concerns include bullying, gang violence, substance abuse, vandalism and theft.
• More than 11 000 learners received mental health support through SADAG programmes in April.
• The GDE is reviewing its School Safety Strategy, with a revised plan expected in 2026.