The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), the South African Police Service (SAPS) and BrightSpark Foundation SA, along with civil-society organisations, reaffirmed their commitment to school safety through a three-day Safer Schools campaign that concluded with a formal pledge-signing ceremony at Henley Business School on October 15.

The campaign ran from October 13 to 15 and is part of a national effort to strengthen cooperation between law enforcement and education authorities.

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The goal is to ensure that schools remain safe, functional, and suited for learning.

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During the first two days, SAPS conducted several coordinated safety operations across Gauteng. These included search-and-seizure missions at high-risk schools, compliance checks for scholar transport, and inspections of liquor outlets near school premises. Parades and briefings were also held at Eldorado Park and Tembisa police stations.

The campaign culminated in the pledge-signing event, attended by learners, educators, police officials, and community partners.

This event symbolised a united stand against crime, substance abuse, and violence in and around schools.

Professor Jon Foster-Pedley, dean and director of Henley Business School, encouraged learners to believe in their potential and make positive choices.

“You don’t have to be special to be extraordinary. What you have is enough; just keep working at it. Believe in yourself, have discipline, listen to your parents and teachers, and don’t bring weapons or drugs to school. It’s not good for you or anyone else. Help, speak out, and trust in yourself,” he told the learners.

Director Sifiso Ngobese from the National Department of Basic Education explained the purpose of the day. He highlighted the importance of the partnership protocol signed earlier this year between the ministries of basic education and police.

@caxtonjoburgnorth Kim Cloete reading the pledge during the formal pledge signing ceremony between the Gauteng Department of Education(GDE), South African Police Service(SAPS) and Gauteng school learners at Henley Business School on October 15, 2025. #SAPS #GDE ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

“This protocol ensures that the Department of Basic Education and SAPS work together to make schools safe. We have seen crime statistics showing Gauteng among the provinces most affected by school-related crime. This campaign allows police and education officials to create joint plans for safer learning environments.”

Ngobese praised the proactive operations that took place during the week, which included school visits, awareness campaigns, and even arrests of individuals selling drugs to learners. He encouraged learners to be ambassadors for school safety.

“We rely on you, our children, to speak against those who bring weapons and drugs into schools. Work with your teachers and police officers so that together, we can make our schools safe.”

The event also featured performances by the East Rand School of Arts, the symbolic signing of the Safer Schools Pledge, and the distribution of safety hampers to participating schools.

Partners supporting the campaign included Agape Movement, Provincial Community Policing Board, LegalWise, and the Youth Crime Prevention Desk.

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