Schools on the brink: Violence and drugs put teachers in the firing line

A growing crisis of violence and drugs in South African schools is putting teachers in harm's way, with police cracking down on dangerous weapons and substances, while teacher unions warn of increasing threats and intimidation. In Gauteng, police operations have uncovered knives, vapes, cigarettes, glass, scissors, grinders, matches, lighters, and suspected illegal substances such as nyaope, spice, and cannabis, sometimes found in learners' possession.

The Gauteng Education MEC, Lebogang Maile, stated that these operations are aimed at enhancing school safety and discipline, recovering various dangerous items. However, the issue extends beyond police finds, as teacher unions report that educators face mounting threats and abuse from learners, parents, and the school community, impacting their safety and willingness to stay in the profession.

A notable incident at Batlhaping Secondary School in North West involved a learner allegedly recording a male teacher being insulted and verbally abused, leading Sadtu to express deep concern about the broader problem of learner indiscipline and educator safety. The union emphasizes that teachers cannot perform their duties effectively while facing threats, and calls for a comprehensive approach to protect educators, including stronger security measures and effective disciplinary action.

Across South Africa, educators are increasingly reporting verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, and physical violence, with the South African Union of Teachers (SAOU) noting a surge in such incidents. Teacher unions are receiving daily requests from educators seeking advice on dealing with threatening conduct, leading to a decrease in educators willing to remain in the profession due to the intolerable working environment.

The Department of Basic Education's school monitoring survey indicates that teachers feel less safe at schools compared to principals, while Statistics South Africa's 2026 report shows a significant prevalence of violence affecting learners, including physical violence from teachers and other learners. Addressing this multifaceted issue requires collaboration among educators, law enforcement, communities, and the government to ensure safe and conducive learning environments.