Education

         Crime is a serious problem on the Cape Flats, and unfortunately this often spills over into school grounds. We urge SAPS to step up their efforts to combat crime in the area, as there is only so much that schools can do to keep hardened criminals out of their grounds.

The WCED has neither the mandate nor the resources to take the place of law enforcement. We will continue to do everything within our power to improve the safety of learners and teachers at school, but we cannot do it alone.

All schools in all areas have the support of the Safe Schools programme. Our Safe Schools call centre is also available to allow reporting of crime and to offer advice and support to all schools, learners, teachers and school communities: 0800 45 46 47.

As part of the WCG Safety Plan, 150 schools will receive high security fencing over the next five years. Law Enforcement Advancement Programme (LEAP) officers are also being deployed in high crime areas as part of the Plan.

Our Transform to Perform project is addressing some of the social issues that contribute to violence, by teaching values in our schools, by inculcating in learners a growth mindset, and in teachers a change mindset.  We believe that, together these will contribute to reduced levels of violence in schools and communities.

Khayelitsha:

56 schools in Khayelitsha benefited from the holiday security subsidy allocation.  2 schools decided not to be part of the security cluster.

We have also completed a number of safety infrastructure upgrades to schools in the area, with more underway.

We have also provided the following training:

• Substance Abuse Policy Training & Drug Testing
• National School Safety Training
• RSAT Score Card Training

The WCED and other stakeholders are engaging with the Khayelitsha Development/Education Forum to enhance security with vetted Neighbourhood Watches (NHW’s)as part of the Department of Community Safety programme.  

The Youth Leadership Camp and After School Programme have anti-bullying and substance abuse education as part of their activities.

Phillipi:

Schools in Phillipi have been assisted with security infrastructure (e.g. burglar alarms, gates and fencing). Schools have also been assisted with developing contingency plans.

Over the past three years, a Leadership Development program has been implemented in partnership with SAPS, Department of Social Development, Human Rights Commission, Cape Nature and various NGOs.  Between 10 and 15 boys at identified schools are taken through a one-year leadership program. Philippi Schools that have benefited from this program: Bongolethu Primary, Entshona Primary, Masivuke Primary

All the Primary Schools in Philippi have been identified for a Fire Safety Program to be conducted in collaboration with the City of Cape Town (Fire Department):

-        Fire education for learners

-        Evacuation Plan training for educators

Safety Committee training and Education Continuity training are planned for all Philippi Schools in 2020.

During the first term all schools have been invited to register for First Aid training. Only one of the schools registered and attended the training; however, another round of training will be offered during the second term and schools will once again be encouraged to register for the training.

Delft:

In partnership with Law Enforcement, SAPS, a New Task team from SAPS and the NHW Walking Bus, schools in this area have been supported with regular patrols. We had regular meetings with the stakeholders of Delft on how we can secure our schools

While serious incidents (burglaries, vandalism, protesting and shootings) have not been reported, schools in this area however have reported challenges relating to truant learners and substance abuse.

Manenberg:

Patrols are conducted in the area of Manenberg by City of Cape Town Law Enforcement officers. The district Safe Schools team conducted after school programmes.

Bonteheuwel:

The Bonteheuwel area is patrolled by City of Cape Town Law Enforcement – support unit. This is a group of Law Enforcement officers not assigned to a school, but which patrols the area around all schools in Bonteheuwel.