Sizwe High School classified as one of the high-risk schools in Gauteng

Sizwe High School is one of 75 prioritised schools out of 245 in the province identified as high-risk.

This announcement was made during Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane’s visit to the school as part of his Operation Kgutla Molao on October 10.

On the day, Chiloane engaged with the principal, school governing body (SGB) members, and relevant stakeholders at Sizwe High School in Elandsfontein.

ALSO READ: School safety programme conducted at Edenvale High

According to the department, the operation is a safety strategy recently launched by the MEC in reaction to reports of safety concerns at Gauteng schools.

The strategy is one of the comprehensive interventions outlined in the Gauteng School Safety Action Plan, aimed at reducing incidents of violence, bullying, suicide, substance abuse, and sexual harassment at schools.

“The Department aims to achieve this by working together with the police, government departments, members of the community, and NGOs,” said the Gauteng Department of Education’s spokesperson, Steve Mabona.

The department highlights prioritised high-risk schools using these factors:
• Criminal acts against learners, educators, school management, school infrastructure, and movable assets;

• Drug and substance abuse inside and outside school premises;

• Undesirable behaviour such as bullying, racism, sexual harassment, and more acts of misconduct.

Chiloane met with principals and SGBs of the 75 identified schools to again emphasise the implementation of these interventions:

ALSO READ: CoE gives locals cholera safety tips

• Deployment of four armed security guards at each school;

• Training of Schools Safety Committees by the Matthew Goniwe School of Leadership;

• Deployment of 500 learner support agents to rotate among these schools;

• Deployment of handheld metal detectors to identify dangerous weapons;

• Activation of e-Panic buttons for 3 000 staff members, to be rolled out soon in conjunction with the Gauteng Department of Community Safety

;• Initiating patrols by Safety Wardens (Ama Panya-Panya) around the schools in conjunction with the Gauteng Department of Community Safety;

• Installation of CCTV cameras linked to a provincial command centre;

• First aid training for learners as part of the Multi-Certification Skills Programme;

• Potential bullies to go on prison tours.

“The unwavering commitment of the department and partnering stakeholders to the safety and well-being of learners in Gauteng schools is evident through the rigorous implementation of Operation Kgutla Molao.

“By addressing various safety concerns and collaborating with law enforcement, government agencies, communities, and organisations, they are actively working to create a safer and more secure learning environment.

“The initiatives outlined here not only prioritise the safety of learners and staff but also emphasise the importance of comprehensive training and awareness programmes.

“As we move forward, the department remains steadfast in its dedication to ensuring that schools in the province become beacons of safety, learning, and growth for all students,” said Chiloane.