JOHANNESBURG - Bullying, gangsterism and teacher safety, took center stage in the school's safety imbizo in Krugersdorp.
The Imbizo was hosted by the Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane on Saturday.
The imbizo hosted at Hoër Tegniese Skool Nic Diederichs saw parents, teachers, principals, and key stakeholders from across the West Rand to address critical school safety concerns.
Chiloane outlined strategies to safeguard high-risk schools and announced a partnership with SAPS to enhance police visibility and response times.
The MEC also acknowledged that school safety challenges vary across different communities and that a one-size-fits-all approach would not be effective.
He emphasised that the first step to resolving these issues lies within the community itself.
Meanwhile Gauteng Provincial Head for Visible Policing, Brigadier Mark Joseph, emphasised the need for a soft policing approach.
He said police should not instill fear in learners by brandishing guns and dogs on school premises.
He clarified that SAPS would only conduct searches at schools upon request.
Earlier this month, the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety called on various departments to prioritise the implementation of recommendations of a Focused Intervention Study on School Safety.