Safe Schools Protocol launched to combat violence in classroom

GOING back to basics to where rude or violent learners inside the classroom will not be tolerated, and protecting teachers and vetting them against the sexual predators list.

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

There are the strategies put forward, following the joint launch of the Collaborative Implementation Protocol on School Safety by the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, together with Minister of Police Police, Senzo Mchunu, yesterday.

The Safe Schools Protocol aims to tackle the alarming rates of violence, crime, and insecurity prevalent in schools.

SAPS data for the 2023/24 financial year highlighted 28 murders within basic education institutions, with nearly half occurring in KwaZulu-Natal and 46% involving learner-on-learner violence.

Additionally, two-thirds of reported rapes in schools involved learner-on-learner violence, while over 11 000 burglaries were recorded.

The protocol is set to emphasise shared responsibility, integrating stakeholders such as civil society organisations, parents, school governing bodies, and learners into the safety ecosystem.