Gauteng learners face rising threats: Crime and bullying in schools
Crime, bullying, gangsterism and drug abuse have emerged as the biggest threats facing Gauteng learners, with communities calling for stronger school safety measures and greater parental involvement to protect children.
South African learners in Gauteng are facing increasing threats such as crime, bullying, gangsterism and drug abuse, according to a post-consultative report by MEC Lebogang Maile. The report, which engaged over 11,000 residents between May and July, found that violence in and around schools was a consistent concern among parents, educators, learners and community leaders.
The MEC emphasized that schools cannot thrive in environments where fear dominates, and called for stronger visible policing, intensified anti-drug campaigns, better learner discipline and expanded psychosocial support services. However, he stressed that law enforcement alone is not enough to solve the problem, and highlighted the importance of parental involvement in addressing learner behavior and safeguarding schools.
The province warned that schools cannot be isolated from the social challenges affecting the surrounding communities, and committed to strengthening partnerships with the South African Police Service, Community Policing Forums, municipalities and social service professionals to enhance safety around educational institutions.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
