Johnathan Paoli
THE Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane kicked off the School Safety Indaba on Saturday, in Ekurhuleni – part of the Safe Schools Campaign under Operation Kgutla Molao (Restore Order Campaign) – whose aim is to mobilise different stakeholders to safeguard schools against criminal activities, especially during the holidays.
The Gauteng Department of Education said that the Indaba being held at the Birchwood Hotel, Boksburg, will evaluate the progress of the campaign so far, develop further interventions for emerging threats and also provide a status update on identified high-risk schools in the province.
Chiloane launched “Operation Kgutla Molao” in response to reports of safety concerns at Gauteng schools and under this programme the department and its partners plan to deal and to reduce incidents of violence, bullying, suicide, substance abuse and sexual harassment at schools.
Just last week, two cases of sexual violence were reported at the Hope Learners with Special Education Needs School in Westcliffe, Joburg.
Chiloane spoke about the school and condemned the alleged misconduct of the learners and called for the need to root out the problem in terms of safety and discipline in the school community.
“The department relentlessly appeals to parents and school staff to work together in an effort to educate our pupils within a conducive environment at all times,” Chiloane said.
The Indaba is expected to kick off with a welcome and address by the acting HOD of the department Rufus Mmutlana with a keynote address by the MEC.
In addition there will be discussions surrounding mental health services and elevated substance abuse programmes as well as 24/7 crisis lines and school-based intervention programmes.
The Matthew Goniwe School of Leadership CEO Sibusiso Mahlangu is expected to summarise the findings of the indaba, with the Director of Social Crime Prevention and Victim Empowerment Programs from the Gauteng Department of Social Development to discuss implementation and issues surrounding the Child Justice Act.
A representative from the Qalabotjha Secondary School is also expected to speak about the experiences and everyday realities that learners face.
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