The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, officially launched the Provincial School Safety Programme on Thursday, 18 September, at the Archie Gumede Conference Centre in Mayville.
He was joined by Acting MEC for Education Thembeni KaMadlopha Mthethwa, provincial SAPS representatives and other stakeholders, where a Memorandum of Understanding was signed to strengthen collaboration in keeping schools safe.
Premier Ntuli said the programme is aimed at tackling crime, bullying, substance abuse, gender-based violence and femicide in schools across the province. “No child should fear going to school and no parent should fear sending their child there,” he said. “School safety is non-negotiable. Our children deserve safe spaces of learning, growth and opportunity.”
He stressed the urgency of the programme, noting that in 2024 alone, more than 2,300 incidents were reported, including the tragic loss of four teachers. “These are not just numbers; they are lives affected, families broken, and futures disrupted. That is why this programme is not an option – it is a necessity.”
The urgency of this initiative has been underlined by recent violence in Durban schools. Earlier this year, three pupils at Centenary Secondary School in Asherville were stabbed during a racially charged altercation, while in June, a group fight at Lakehaven Secondary was captured on video and widely circulated, leaving parents, teachers and learners shaken.
As part of the programme, high-tech CCTV cameras are already being installed in 50 schools, with the total number set to rise to 60 in the coming year. The cameras will be monitored by school principals and linked directly to local police stations to ensure swift responses. Schools will also work alongside community policing forums, private security companies, school governing bodies and amakhosi to strengthen visible security. Ntuli said, “We cannot succeed in isolation. Without the collaboration of parents, teachers, police, community structures and learners themselves, nothing will be achieved.”
The initiative will also introduce learner safety ambassadors with the responsibility of speaking out against bullying, drug abuse and violence. Scouts will play a pivotal role in the programme, instilling discipline and leadership among young people, while the Department of Social Development will be brought on board to tackle social issues that often contribute to violence in schools.
Acting MEC Mthethwa emphasised the Department of Education’s role in the plan. “As the department, we can confirm that schools already have safety committees in place with SAPS representatives. But through this partnership with the Premier, in his capacity as MEC for Community Safety, we will strengthen those structures and ensure more police visibility.” She added, “Our learners must focus on education, not survival. Weekly safety checks will send a clear message that violence and drugs have no place in our schools.”
Speaking on behalf of the Scouts, national coordinator Bekezela Dlamini said their involvement would be voluntary as scouts do not believe in doing what is right in exchange for money. He explained that scouts have already trained 150 teachers in safety awareness and will soon extend training to learners so they can observe behaviour patterns and promote safety values among their peers. “This partnership allows us to empower learners with the discipline and vigilance that scouting teaches. We want them to lead by example.”
A concerned parent said, “My child should be learning, not worrying about fights breaking out in class. We need this programme to bring real change, not just promises.” A teacher added, “After incidents like the stabbings and school brawls, the fear is real. This programme must make safety visible every day.”
Premier Ntuli closed by assuring communities that this was only the beginning. “We will expand CCTV coverage to more schools in the next financial year. This programme is a living commitment — together, we will make our schools places of safety, dignity and hope.”
