A safety guide for schools, released earlier this year by AfriForum, has identified key areas in which safety can at Pretoria schools can be improved.
The guide, launched in January, seeks to “empower” schools by first auditing their safety measures and then putting the necessary measures in place.
These measures range from ensuring school fencing is tall enough to the availability of emergency exits and fire extinguishers.
The organisation decided to set up the guide following the 2018 protests at High School Overvaal.
“While the safety at the schools don’t look too bad, there is still room for improvement,” said AfriForum education project coordinator Carien Bloem.
“One of the biggest problems is fencing around schools although CCTV cameras are in place. We have identified the problem areas and so far schools are very eager to improve their safety.”
Bloem said a worrying trend was the lack of inspections of schools by fire departments.
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“Fire prevention remains a concern. At some schools fire-safety training has yet to take place. At some schools, it has been years since hydrants and extinguishers had been inspected.”
Bloem said since the launch of the safety guide AfriForum had received over 100 applications from schools who want to be part of the initiative.
“Since the incident at High School Driehoek, AfriForum has undertaken to add the safety and maintenance of buildings to the safety guide. The new section will be provided to the media as soon as it is ready.”
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