A meeting aimed at strengthening safety in local learning environments brought together key role players from law enforcement, government departments, school transport bodies, and the broader school community to foster collaboration and develop practical strategies to protect learners.

The meeting was held at a local school on April 25 and was attended by Brakpan police, represented by interim station commander Colonel Robert Makopo and supported by social crime prevention and communications officer Constable Audrey Buthelezi.

They were joined by representatives from the Department of Education, Department of Social Development, the Greater Brakpan Taxi Association, Greater Brakpan Scholar Transport Association, BESCO (Brakpan Education Services Cooperative), the school governing body, and parents, all working collectively to identify solutions that will enhance safety and security within schools throughout the Brakpan area.

According to Buthelezi, the engagement follows several incidents at local schools of bullying, fighting, and suspected gangsterism.

“This intervention by stakeholders is for the protection of learners, educators, and the community at large,” she said.

“It also supports educational goals and improves the overall quality of education. The stakeholders engaged in advocacy of social justice and inclusion to ensure that all learners have equal access to education and a safer learning environment.

“An intervention of this calibre is crucial in creating a conducive learning environment that fosters the development of learners’ abilities and prepares them for their roles in a democratic society.”

Buthelezi explained that SAPS has implemented several programmes aimed at enhancing safety at schools, which includes collaborative implementation protocol which focuses on early violence prevention, social safety programmes, and the National Inclusive Safer Schools Partnership which prioritises safety and inclusion in schools, promoting safer learning environments.

These programmes are part of a broader effort by the SAPS and education department to create secure and conducive learning environments for all learners.

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“Brakpan SAPS is appealing to parents of learners, school management, community members, and all other relevant stakeholders to join hands and intensify safety measures in schools,” said Buthelezi.

“The SAPS will continue with the safer school programs, which include school searches and talks.

“Illicit articles carried by learners will be confiscated. Bullying, fighting, and gang-related behaviour will not be tolerated, and learners found to be instigating such lawless behaviour will face harsh disciplinary action, which might lead to prosecution.

“A safer school is not a privilege. It is a right. It is the foundation upon which every dream, every lesson, and every future is built.

“Let us not wait for change. Let us be the change. Report any danger, support the schools, and stand united against anything that threatens the safety of the learners.

“Let us make safer schools not just a campaign, but a lasting reality.”

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