classroom fear: Gauteng’s school safety crisis triggers raids, CCTV, and private security at high-risk institutions

Gauteng's school safety crisis has prompted a series of security measures, including raids, CCTV surveillance and private security guards at high-risk institutions. The Gauteng Education Department has partnered with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to conduct search-and-seizure operations at 23 schools, uncovering weapons, drugs and vapes.

Over 422 schools have private security guards, while 606 sites are fitted with CCTV systems, some through a Vodacom partnership. Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile emphasized that schools are plagued by violence, gangsterism, poor discipline and absenteeism, making it difficult for learners to focus on their studies.

Over five years, Gauteng schools have recorded more than 4,600 violent incidents and nearly 400 sexual misconduct cases. High-risk schools have been identified through an environmental scan conducted by the Matthew Goniwe School of Leadership and Governance, which found 245 schools requiring targeted interventions. To address these issues, the department has rolled out a package of interventions, including raids, private guards, CCTV systems and psychosocial support services.

While law enforcement intervention is necessary, educators and teachers admit that sporadic sweeps are insufficient to prevent violent incidents. Private security personnel and CCTV systems are in place at 422 high-risk schools, but Maile stressed that technology and guards alone cannot solve the crisis. The department is focusing on social drivers of school violence, substance abuse, and bullying by expanding psychosocial support services, including partnerships with mental health organizations and child protection programs.