In hotspot communities where children are often victims of crime, schools should be “cool zones” away from the flames of violence. FEDSAS therefore welcomes the Safe Schools Protocol, launched this week by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube. This agreement between SAPS and the Department of Basic Education aims to address increasing school-based violence through stronger police visibility and coordinated safety measures at high-risk schools.

          “We support the principle that schools should not reflect the dangers of the communities in which they are situated. Our schools should be safe havens,” says Daniëlla van Heerden, Communication Manager of FEDSAS (Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools).

“Minister Mchunu is correct in saying that there should be no crime hotspots anywhere in South Africa. But while we work towards that bigger goal, we should insist that schools should already be ‘cool’ spaces — calm, protected, and safe. In crime-riddled communities the school must be the one place where a child can read in the library or play on the school terrain without fear.”

FEDSAS acknowledges that some may criticise the deployment of police officers to schools, arguing that it could create the perception of a war zone. “We understand that concern,” says Van Heerden, “but it is also important that we challenge the perception that the presence of police automatically means something is wrong. The police should not be seen as a threat or a symbol of violence, but rather as guardians of public safety. Their presence at schools should communicate stability and reassurance — not fear.”

          For FEDSAS a part of the challenge lies in changing the narrative. “When learners see police officers on their school terrain, they should feel protected, not monitored. The SAPS and Minister Mchunu have a responsibility to ensure that their visibility builds trust and creates a sense of safety, not suspicion,” explains Van Heerden. “A teacher should find comfort in knowing the police is nearby if they feel unsafe. A learner should know that their school is a place of peace even if they live in an area that is not safe.”

FEDSAS’s view is that school safety is the responsibility of all role-players. This includes not only police support, but also the strengthening of school leadership, effective governing bodies, and strong relationships between schools and their communities, including local law enforcement.

“It is crucial that school governing bodies take responsibility and ensure that the proposed functions of a safety committee are implemented within the governing body’s structures,” says Van Heerden. “However, schools should be allowed to make their own decisions about the nature and composition of such committees based on the unique needs of their school community. This also emphasises the role of the community in taking ownership of and being actively involved in public schools. After all, we have public schools — not state schools!”

FEDSAS also appeals to the SAPS and school communities to keep watch over schools during the school holidays. “Criminals target school during school holidays. Money allocated for other school activities must then be spent on repairs.”

As part of its ongoing commitment to school safety, FEDSAS will request input from its extensive national network of schools and governing bodies regarding the implementation of the Safe Schools Protocol. “We believe real change happens when school communities are part of the solution,” says Van Heerden.