School safety 'non-negotiable': Minister tackles bullying and GBV in schools

When schools are unsafe, or learners feel threatened, education suffers, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube said.

The minister emphasised the urgent need for safety and dignity for learners across South African schools at an event held at Eldorado Park secondary school on Monday.

Gwarube was joined by Gauteng education MEC, Matome Chiloane, at the school as part of the 2026 Back-to-School Campaign, reinforcing the government’s commitment to safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments.

Gwarube said at the heart of quality education is the promise of safety, dignity, and care for every child.

She further emphasised the connection between school safety and effective learning. Safe schools, she noted, must be places of care, discipline and respect, where learners feel confident and protected.

"Addressing issues like violence and bullying requires strong leadership and collaboration among parents, learners, community leaders, law enforcement, and social partners.

"School safety to us is not just a science. It’s a precondition. As a government, we are clear: schools must be places of care, of discipline, of respect. Learners must feel confident that they are safe. I am here because school safety is important. I am here because bullying and violence are not normal, and they cannot be accepted. I am here because gender based violence (GBV)  has no place in our schools," she said.

The minister was also joined by the Director‑General of Basic Education, Mweli Mathanzima, EU Ambassador to South Africa, Dr Sandra Kramer, and UNICEF Country Representative, Johannes Wedenig.

A key highlight of the visit was the announcement of a high-level partnership, including the signing of the European Union’s €5 million contribution towards a national GBV prevention and response programme in schools. 

Chiloane revealed that vandalism of school infrastructure over the festive period continued unabated with some schools reporting incidents of vandalism.

He brought to attention the worrying trend of vandalism affecting more than 60 schools, with some unable to reopen due to serious infrastructure damage.

"The last figure that we have suggests that we have more than 60 schools that have been vandalised. Some of the schools have not reopened as a result. I want (to say to) communities that we can invest millions into the schools, but if we do not have the beneficiaries, including the community and learners protecting the school, our efforts become futile," he said.

On the scourge of bullying and positive learner behaviour, Chiloane called on the minister and police to help with security efforts in some schools affected by bullying and violence. 

"To get the schools right, we need the right leadership, we need the community on board and a functional school governing bodies (SGBs). We also have the SAPS to help," he said.