Stakeholders unite to tackle school safety concerns in Sedibeng
Serious concerns were raised during the imbizo about the safety of learners in the Sedibeg area.
Lesedi municipal officials, in collaboration with Gauteng Education, conducted a series of school visits to assess readiness and ensure a safe learning environment for learners.
The initiative culminated in a final imbizo held on March 1 at the Ratanda Multi-Purpose Centre. Key stakeholders gathered to discuss findings and chart the way forward for a successful school year.
The MEC of Education, Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Matome Chiloane was the guest speaker at the event.
The aim was to bring stakeholders, law enforcement agencies, including the SAPS, community leaders, parents and learners together to address the safety challenges that affect the various schools in the province.
Lesedi Local Municipality (LLM) executive mayor, Mluleki Nkosi, was also in attendance.
Nkosi emphasised the LLM’s commitment to partnering with the Gauteng Education Department and other stakeholders to address the various concerns that affect schools and learners.
At the imbizo, delegates raised serious concerns about the safety of learners in the Sedibeg area.
Major concerns include the presence of armed gangs, gangsterism, initiation practices, and intimidation.
These issues cause multiple disruptions within the school sphere, which may influence the learners’ grades and results.
The community raised concerns regarding safety aspects.
There are recurring criminal activities that include burglaries, vandalism and theft.
Educators mentioned criminals continuously targeted school resources like laptops. They also have infrastructure challenges that include a lack of electricity, plumbing, cable theft and collapsing buildings and fencing, regarded as serious risks to learners and teachers.
Learners bringing dangerous weapons onto school grounds is another alarming factor.
Bullies and cyberbullying need to be stamped out as soon as possible.
Unhygienic water, muggings and unsanitary facilities are also concerns learners have to contend with daily.
“The Department of Education will compile the concerns raised and proposed interventions from the various communities and integrate them into strategies to enhance school safety across Sedibeng,” said Chiloane.
“We, as Gauteng Department of Education, commit to strengthen security systems and collaborate with law enforcement to curb criminal activities in the schooling system.”
