According to two ministers, the protocol formally formalize the relationship between schools and their nearest police stations.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) and South African Police Service (SAPS) launched the revised Safe School Protocol on Tuesday, indicating a renewed and immediate attempt to curb large -scale crime and violence in schools.
Education Minister Shivwe Guarube and Police Minister Senjo McChunu jointly unveiled the allied implementation protocol at Cape Town, which promises to create a safe, child-friendly learning environment amidst shocking figures of violence.
“In the financial year of 2023-24, there were 28 murders in basic educational institutions, about half, 46% pupil-on-pupil violence included in Quazulu-Natal. Two-thirds reported rapes also included pupils, which were also included as the criminal and the victim.”
Mchunu called the protocol a “shared commitment” and said it was more than just one document.
“For education, security should be given one, not privilege.
“Balmashi, use of drugs, and sexual abuse have become prevalent and breed for further criminality,” McNu said.
Major remedies in protocol
According to two ministers, the protocol formally formalize the relationship between schools and their nearest police stations.
Each school is expected to form a functional security committee which consists of police, teachers and governing bodies.
“We are presenting visible policing and regular security audit in school-based crime prevention programs, hotspot areas.
“We will comply with the laws regulating liquor outlets near schools and improve the witting of the employees,” Gaverube said.
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Five commitments for safe schools
Gwarube outlined five major commitments at the center of the revised protocol:
- Formal School-Police Link: Each school will be connected to a local police station, supported by a school safety committee, including the principal, a staff security officer, a SGB member and a nominated SAPS officer.
- Crime Prevention Program: Schools will roll in-house education campaigns that target gender-based violence, bullying, gangsterism, alcohol and drug abuse and weapons occupation.
- Visual policing: Officers will be deployed around high -risk schools during busy periods such as morning arrival and afternoon dismissal.
- Victim-friendly space: Protocol mandatory the creation of weak students to give better support to afflicted-friendly rooms and community reaction forums.
- Staff Veating: All teaching and non-teaching employees will be veto against the National Register for Sexual Criminals and Child Protection Register.
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Shared responsibility and urgency
The two ministers emphasized the need for community participation.
“Schools cannot do this alone. The police cannot do this alone. Security is a community effort. We need to shop from parents, students, SGB and civil society,” Gawaub said.
Mchunu said SAPS will continue to intensify visibility and integrate its existing integrated crime and prevention of violence strategy (ICVPS) in school policing efforts:
“Policing is not a-partner responsibility. Parents should be an active partner in the fight against crime, start in their homes.
“We are building capacity at police stations and are directly attached to the students, especially around gangsterism, around bullying and drug abuse,” said Machunu.
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‘Agent of change’
In closing, both ministers admitted that violence in schools shows widespread social breakdown: poverty, inequality and unemployment.
Gwarube called for students, teachers and police officers to become agents of change.
“We know that the burdens (teachers) are being taken to Nelson Mandela Bay, crossing the roads with gangs in Manonburg and Gugulathu. We are standing with you.”
“Our children will see you (police officers) not only for safety, but for inspiration. Go there and protect our schools,” he concluded.
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