Hundreds of schools across Gauteng have been identified as high-risk institutions as education authorities confront escalating concerns over violence, bullying, substance abuse and criminal activity on school grounds.
The Gauteng Department of Education has warned that school safety is becoming an increasingly urgent challenge, with many learners and educators operating in environments affected by broader social problems such as crime, gang activity and community instability.
A recent environmental analysis conducted by the Matthew Goniwe School of Leadership and Governance assessed more than 1,300 schools across the province. The study ultimately identified 245 schools as high-risk sites requiring targeted interventions and additional support.
The findings paint a troubling picture of the pressures facing South Africa’s most populous province, where schools are increasingly dealing with challenges that extend far beyond the classroom.
Community crime increasingly affecting schools
According to the department, many of the safety issues reported by schools are directly linked to conditions in surrounding communities.
School governing bodies and principals participating in the Thuto Pele engagement programme consistently raised concerns about criminal activity near schools, inadequate security infrastructure and recurring incidents of vandalism and burglary.
Damaged perimeter fencing, poor lighting and insufficient access control were also identified as major vulnerabilities that expose learners and staff to additional risks.
Education officials stressed that schools cannot be isolated from the broader social realities affecting communities across South Africa.
As crime, substance abuse and social instability continue to affect neighbourhoods, their impact is increasingly being felt within educational institutions.
The department noted that creating safe learning environments has become more challenging as schools face growing pressure from both internal and external threats.
Mental health and prevention programmes expanded
Beyond physical security concerns, education authorities highlighted a growing mental health crisis among learners.
Through a partnership with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, more than 11,000 learners and over 150 teachers received support during April 2026 alone.
Schools participating in the programme reported rising concerns related to bullying, peer pressure, substance abuse and emotional wellbeing.
Additional support has been provided through the Isibindi Ezikoleni Programme, which currently operates in 30 schools and has reached more than 35,000 learners through awareness campaigns, counselling initiatives and targeted interventions.
To strengthen security, the department has deployed private security personnel to 121 schools and installed CCTV surveillance systems at 606 schools. Authorities have also partnered with Vodacom on technology-driven school monitoring projects.
However, officials cautioned that surveillance and security guards alone cannot solve the problem.
The department argued that sustainable improvements require addressing the root causes of violence, anti-social behaviour and criminal activity, including poverty, community crime and limited social support systems.
A revised School Safety Strategy, which has been under review since 2024, is expected to be finalised during 2026 and will guide future interventions across the province.
Education authorities emphasised that ensuring safe schools requires cooperation between government, communities, parents and educators.
“Learners cannot learn effectively in environments characterised by fear, intimidation or violence, and educators cannot teach optimally in unsafe conditions,” the department said.
Officials added that school safety should be viewed not only as a security issue but also as a critical educational priority that directly affects learner outcomes and long-term social development.
Source: Gauteng Department of Education