Gauteng GDE outlines safety operation at local high school
MEC Chiloane visited Sizwe High School in Elandsfontein to continue the implementation of Operation Kgotla Molao.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane continued the implementation of Operation Kgutla Molao on October 10.
He engaged with principals, school governing body (SGB) members and relevant stakeholders at Sizwe High School in Elandsfontein.
Operation Kgutla Molao is a safety strategy that was recently launched by Chiloane in reaction to reports of safety concerns at Gauteng schools.
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The strategy is one of the comprehensive interventions outlined within 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.
Sizwe High School is one of 75 prioritised schools within a list of 245 schools in the province that have been identified as high-risk.
The department highlights prioritised high-risk schools using factors such as criminal acts against learners, educators, school management, school infrastructure and movable assets.
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Other factors that are going to be used by the department include drug and substance abuse both inside and outside school premises and undesirable behaviour such as bullying, racism, sexual harassment and more acts of misconduct.
The MEC met with principals and SGBs of the 75 identified schools to re-emphasise the implementation of interventions which include the deployment of four armed security guards at each school; training of school safety committees by 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; and initiating patrols by safety wardens around the schools.
Additional interventions include the installation of CCTV cameras linked to a provincial command centre, first aid training to be conducted for learners as part of the Multi-Certification Skills Programme and potential bullies learners to be taken on prison tours.
“The unwavering commitment of the department and partnering stakeholders towards the safety and well-being of learners in Gauteng schools is evident through the rigorous implementation of Operation Kgutla Molao.
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“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 for all,” said Chilioane.
The MEC added that the initiatives outlined here not only prioritise the safety of learners and staff but also emphasise the importance of comprehensive training and awareness programs.
“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.
