Question No. 327
Mr GG Boinamo (Democratic Alliance) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:
Whether any progress has been made with the provision of adequate security measures at schools since 2007; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Provisions of security measures at schools since 2007
The department has since 2007 intensified efforts to ensure that all schools are safe and secure for both learners and teachers. The following measures were introduced and implemented:
(i) Following the amendments to the Regulations for safety measures at all public schools the Centre for Justice and Crime Prevention (CJCP) was appointed by the department and United Nations children’s Fund (UNICEF) to conduct a baseline audit in order to collect information to guide the design, and implementation of operational plans to support provinces in curbing crime and violence.
(ii) The department in collaboration with provincial school safety coordinators identified 585 schools (65 schools per province) presenting with high levels of crime and violence. From the 585 high priority schools, one school per province was identified to become part of a ministerial pilot project to create safe, caring and child friendly schools.
(iii) The following targeted interventions (to address crime and violence in an integrated and holistic approach) were designed and implemented to meet the specific safety needs of the nine identified schools:
2. (a) Physical infrastructure
Each of the nine identified schools received a palisade security fence and gates, four hand held metal detectors, high mast security lights, and security guards appointed for a period of six months. Eight of the nine schools received a closed circuit television (CCTV) system. (a CCTV system could not be installed at Kei Road Combined School due to derelict buildings).
(b) Management support and teacher support
School management at the nine schools have been supported in terms of the implementation of the regulations for safety measures at all public schools, search and seizure and drug testing, and the bill of responsibilities for the youth of South Africa. An example code of conduct for learners at public schools was developed and distributed to all provinces for implementation.
In partnership with Open Society Foundation, the department developed and implemented the Hlayiseka early warning system, in all provinces. The Hlayiseka early warning system serves as a management tool for managers to identify, manage, monitor and report on security threats.
The principal of Stonefountain College was contracted by the department to train identified officials, teachers and principals in all provinces on searches, seizures and drug testing. Girls and Boys Town has been commissioned by the department to train principals, school governing body (SGB) members, teachers and all support staff of the nine schools on positive discipline and classroom management.
Although the initial focus is on the nine ministerial schools it is envisaged that provinces will roll out this programme to cover more schools.
The department in partnership with UNICEF and Super Sport has embarked on a Sport for Development pilot programme in nine school communities, which is affected, by increasing levels of crime, violence and vandalism.
(iv) It must be acknowledged that provinces have their own context specific initiatives (programmes and projects) to ensure that schools are safe and secure.
Issued by: Department of Basic Education
26 February 2010
Source: Department of Education (http://www.education.gov.za/)
