Amid concerns over teacher safety, NAPTOSA WC calls on SAPS to increase visibility in high-risk areas

Teachers’ union NAPTOSA is calling on police to increase visibility in high-risk areas, amid growing concerns over the safety of educators.

The union says many teachers are forced to work in schools with failing infrastructure, inadequate resources, and little to no protection in volatile communities.

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NAPTOSA Western Cape CEO Riedwaan Ahmed said teacher safety must become a shared responsibility between police, government, and communities.

"So NAPTOSA really calls, you know, for SAPS for more visibility. We're also asking for psychosocial support, you know, for these affected educators."

Meanwhile, Stellenbosch University’s dean of education, Professor Mbulungeni Madiba, said security measures needed to be standardised and strengthened across schools.

"Teachers really don't feel safe. The issue of security is a big problem. For example, our students have to go and do practical work in different schools. Now, many students are reluctant to go to certain areas where there is no safety. Even some of the assessors don't feel to go to such areas."