The Gauteng Department of Education held an Ekurhuleni school safety Imbizo in Tsakane on November 23.
The gathering addressed social, parental, and psychosocial concerns brought up by different bodies, individuals, and stakeholders.
This was the second Imbizo held by the department.
A statement released by the GDE stated that the Department and the Schooling Community have been negatively impacted by tragic food poisoning incidents.
As a result, the Department had to act in the best interest of the learners by temporarily suspending the sale of food.
Resident, Jabu Khanyile explained that the imbizo has made parents aware of a lot of factors.
“The Imbizo highlighted a lot of problems that some parents tend to overlook.
“As a parent with a child in school, I am grateful to witness that GDE is taking our concerns seriously.
“As a community and parents, it is also up to us to do our best to ensure our children’s safety in schools,” he said.
“The Department has issued a memo as well as regulations, guidelines, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) That must be adhered to.
“These documents are critical in ensuring the safety and well-being of our learners and should be consulted regularly. This issue is about learner safety.
“As we commence our discussions on the critical issue of school safety, it’s essential to frame our conversation within the right context.
“We must recognise that our schools are reflections of the communities surrounding them. What occurs in these communities inevitably influences what happens within our schools,” said MEC Matome Chiloane.
The statement further highlighted that GDE addressed these points, and pointed out possible solutions:
Key issues identified
Gangsterism Concerns Identified:
* BOOFS, GAILOS AND NKABINATION within Geluksdal
* ASELO, ALFRANCISCO, ENHLANZENIwithin Tembisa schools ie. Masiqhakaze Secondary and Masisebenze Secondary
* AMABUTHO in Tsakane and Rondebult are prevalent, impacting community safety.
Construction Project Conflicts
* Disputes Identified: Ongoing conflicts exist between School Governing Bodies and local communities over self-built projects.
Physical Altercations
* Incidents Noted: Increasing fights reported among learners, requiring immediate attention.
Substance Abuse Challenges
* Problems Reported: Significant issues with drug and alcohol misuse among students.
INTERVENTION STRATEGIES
Parental and Community Engagement
•Initiatives: Continuing focus on parent and community meetings to address ongoing issues.
•Safety and Security Training: Facilitating and expediting the training of the National School Safety Framework.
•Revitalization of school safety teams is underway.
•Law Enforcement agencies conducting random search and seizure operations; private security is deployed for added safety.
Educational and Awareness Initiatives:
* Talks and Awareness: Conducting educational talks on various critical topics.
* Prison Program: Guided tour and dialogue arranged at Boksburg Correctional Services to raise awareness.
By Simphiwe Nkosi
