GDE defends school safety plan as Eldorado Park SGB forum demands stronger action

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has responded to concerns raised by the Eldorado Park SGB Forum. It recently called for the redeployment of security personnel at local schools to curb bullying, gang violence, and substance abuse.

The forum, made up of local school governing bodies, organised a School Safety Awareness March on October 15. SGB members, parents, and learners from several schools marched together, starting at Eldorado Park Stadium and concluding at the Ext 3 BP garage.

The schools included Eldomaine and Silver Oaks high schools, Lancea Vale Secondary School, and Eldridge Primary School.

ALSO READ: Gauteng Education Department dismisses claims of exam security breaches

At the time, forum spokesperson Charis Pretorius described the department’s recent safety interventions as “tick-box exercises” and criticised the presence of a camera crew during a school activation, particularly when minors were involved.

She also raised concerns about the limited duration of the activation at Eldomaine High School, claiming it lasted only 20 minutes and did not include searches of all learners.

“How many stabbings and shootings have we had at schools, with learners used by drug dealers to bring substances onto school premises?” Pretorius asked.

She added that knives and drugs were still making their way into schools despite daily searches by SGB members.
In its response, GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona said the department was aware of and concerned about the protest led by the forum.

“It must be noted that the department has a strategy to improve school safety and address bullying, gang violence and substance abuse by using a ‘whole-school approach’ that includes a combination of security measures, policy enforcement and psycho-social support,” said Mabona.

ALSO READ: Gauteng Education department affirms non-discriminatory school admissions

He confirmed that the department could not currently afford to provide private security to high-risk schools, but had entered into a collaboration with the SAPS and other stakeholders to strengthen school safety.

“Plans include initiatives such as using patrollers, a joint safety protocol with the police and improved collaboration with the Department of Community Safety and Liaison.

These efforts aim to provide a comprehensive approach to safety that goes beyond traditional security guards,” Mabona explained.

Responding to concerns around filming on school premises, Mabona said cameras may be allowed in strategic areas for security and monitoring purposes, but only under strict regulations.

“Their installation and use are subject to compliance with the Popi Act. Material captured during search-and-seizure operations at schools will not be used outside the relevant legislative framework,” he said.

The department also urged the community not to disrupt schooling and to use existing structures to raise concerns.

ALSO READ: Discovery rewards Gauteng’s safest scholar transport drivers

However, the forum maintains that it will continue to lobby for tighter security and stronger collaboration between parents, schools, and law enforcement.

“This march was just the beginning,” Pretorius said previously.

“We will bring more stakeholders on board because this fight is not about one school or one person; it is about protecting every child in every classroom.”