Some school safety measures have ‘failed’, says Chiloane

Chiloane addressed the community of Kliptown, south of Johannesburg, during Imbizo school safety.

Chiloan said the “adopt a cop” initiative was one of the failed attempts at security, saying the police were not doing their job.

“We have taken quite a few measures just to ensure the safety of our schools; First of all, the Adopt a Cop program is not working because the police are not doing their job within the program. This is a good program. We want this to work. We need this program, but it doesn’t exist because the police aren’t doing what they’re supposed to do.”

The MEC looked at a range of issues at the school, from bullying, theft and gangsterism.

Chiloan also blamed parents for the sharp rise in gang-related incidents in schools, citing a lack of parental guidance and involvement as key factors in student misbehavior.

“We faced gang fights and I still say I blame the parents because they don’t do what they should do and don’t take a keen interest in their children when they come to school. Even when there is a parent-teacher meeting, most of them do not come,” Chiloan added.

At the same time, Chiloan praised private security officers in schools for their excellent work.

The MEC said there has been law and order in schools since the introduction of security. However, the initiative is not long-term.

“This is not a sustainable intervention because it is not budgeted for, but it is a desperate move by the Gauteng Department of Education to stabilize a school when it is in conflict.”

Chiloane also emphasized the need for sign language, emphasizing inclusivity for all children and noting that all Year 5 students in Gauteng schools will learn basic South African Sign Language.

“We have a multi-skills certification program where we teach all 5th grade students how to communicate in basic sign language. All our children will be able to communicate with each other in the future,” Chiloane said.