According to the Mpumalanga premier, Mandla Ndlovu, the province has a zero-tolerance policy for drugs and dangerous weapons at schools. Safety committees have been established to monitor risks, engage learners and work closely with communities to curb crime, violence, bullying and vandalism in schools.

Ndlovu said this in his keynote address at the inaugural two-day Mpumalanga School Safety Indaba held at the Floreat Hotel on May 28.
“School safety is a non-negotiable foundation of quality education, and I call on all sectors of society to work together to protect learners and create secure learning environments,” he said.

He appealed to parents, learners, communities, teachers and non-government organisations to work together to create safe, peaceful and empowering educational spaces, emphasising that learners, especially those from underprivileged households, need to be provided with adequate support and resources.
The indaba aimed to formulate strategies and a framework to assist in the fight against violence and a lack of discipline in schools to ensure a safe environment for all.

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Discussions included enforcing and sustaining a collaborative approach on school safety matters, transforming schools and enhancing parents and community involvement, and resourcing schools to respond adequately to security.

The MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Jackie Macie, delivered a message of support and urged parents to teach their children morals, accountability and responsibility.

According to statistics from the Department of Community, Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL), 25 incidents involving stabbing and gun-related violence were recorded at Mpumalanga schools in 2025. Two murders were recorded during the same period.

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Macie said the DCSSL, the Department of Education and SAPS will continue to conduct unannounced searches at schools, which have so far yielded positive results.

Random search-and-seizure operations were conducted at Hoërskool Sybrand van Niekerk and Memezile Secondary School in Sabie on May 27 as part of the preparatory activities towards the implementation of the Provincial Integrated School Safety Strategy, which seeks to foster safer schools through collaboration, prevention and community involvement.