SAPS and Basic Education will Launch a “Safe Schools Protocol” Amid Rising School Violence. In a bold move to curb escalating violence and criminal activities within South Africa’s schools, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Department of Basic Education (DBE) are set to launch the much-anticipated Safe Schools Protocol.

SAPS and Basic Education to Launch “Safe Schools Protocol”

The official media launch and signing ceremony will be led by Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu and Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube, marking a landmark collaboration aimed at restoring safety and dignity to the country’s learning environments.

Urgent Response to Shocking School Crime Stats

The initiative follows disturbing crime statistics released by SAPS for the 2023/2024 financial year, which reported:

28 murders at educational institutions — nearly half in KwaZulu-Natal
46% of killings involved learner-on-learner violence
Two-thirds of reported rapes in schools also involved learners
Over 11,000 burglary cases affecting schools nationwide

These figures paint a stark picture of the dangers learners and educators face daily.

A Joint Strategy for Safer Learning Spaces

The Safe Schools Protocol introduces a structured and coordinated national approach to school safety. It includes a detailed work plan with measurable, immediate actions such as:

Conducting joint school safety audits
Reviewing and updating operational procedures
Enforcing compliance on liquor outlet proximity to schools

Ministers Unite to Tackle School Crime with New National Safety Framework

The new protocol champions a whole-of-society approach, engaging multiple stakeholders—from law enforcement to educators, community leaders, and parents—in safeguarding schools. This renewed commitment signifies not only the government’s acknowledgement of the crisis but also a unified stand to transform South African schools into secure, child-friendly learning spaces for all.