Gauteng Education Department and police drive campaign for safer SA schools
Reaffirming their commitment to safer schools, the Gauteng Department of Education and SAPS held a three-day activation, ending in a pledge-signing ceremony in Paulshof.
In an effort to strengthen their partnership to promote safer learning environments, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) held a three-day safer schools activation, which ended with a pledge-signing ceremony at Henley Business School in Paulshof on October 15.
Supporting partners included the Agape Movement, Provincial Community Policing Board, LegalWise, and the Youth Crime Prevention Desk.
Held from October 13 to 15, the activation aimed to reduce school-related crime and encourage collaboration between education authorities, law enforcement, and community partners.
The initiative included targeted safety operations at identified high-risk schools across Gauteng, under the theme #KusazobaSafeEsgele.
During the first two days, SAPS conducted search-and-seizure operations, checked scholar transport for compliance, and inspected liquor outlets near schools. Parades and operational briefings took place at Eldorado Park and Tembisa Police Station, to mobilise officers and partners.
The closing ceremony, at Henley Business School, brought together learners, educators, police officials, and community organisations for a symbolic pledge-signing event. The ceremony featured motivational speeches, learner performances, and a formal commitment to enhance school safety.
Professor Jon Foster-Pedley, Henley Business School dean and director, encouraged learners to believe in themselves 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 your teachers, and don’t bring weapons or drugs to school. It’s not good for you or anyone else.”
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Director Sifiso Ngobese, from the National Department of Basic Education, explained the day’s purpose, saying the partnership between the Department of Basic Education and SAPS was formed to address safety issues in schools.
“We have seen that while schools are for teaching and learning, crime also happens in these spaces. This protocol ensures that both departments work together to keep schools safe and functional. We rely on our learners to become ambassadors for safety in their schools.”
Ngobese also noted that similar activations have taken place in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, with positive outcomes. He mentioned that several drug dealers, targeting learners, were arrested during operations earlier in the week.
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