Killed in the classroom: Basic Education Dept launches 'Safer Schools Protocol'

Bongani Bingwa is joined by Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube.

Listen below

Slain while at school. 

Grim figures reveal that some 28 learners were killed on school grounds in the past financial year, and this bleak statistic has prompted urgent government action.

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu launched the Safer Schools Protocol in Cape Town this week, vowing to end the cycle of violence plaguing classrooms.

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"Our schools are starting to reflect the kind of communities they exist in."

Siviwe Gwarube, Minister of Basic Education

Garube states that more than 250 schools in South Africa are situated in areas identified as 'hot spots' by the South African Police Service (SAPS).

"That allows us to have a more targeted approach to those schools."

Siviwe Gwarube, Minister of Basic Education

"A lot of these incidents are happening in toilets during school hours."

Siviwe Gwarube, Minister of Basic Education

Gwarube states that measures such as increased police visibility, search-and-seizure operations, and stricter staff vetting will hopefully help to curb violence in our schools.

"We've had to have a wide ranging approach on this issue."

Siviwe Gwarube, Minister of Basic Education

Scroll up to listen to the full conversation with the minister of basic education

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