The Gauteng Department of Education has identified 245 Gauteng schools as high-risk following a province-wide assessment that found growing concerns around violence, bullying, substance abuse and vandalism in learning environments.
The findings come from an environmental analysis of crime and violence in schools conducted by the Matthew Goniwe School of Leadership and Governance, which assessed more than 1,300 schools across Gauteng. The department says the results highlight a broader challenge facing communities and schools as incidents linked to crime, social instability and learner wellbeing continue to affect educational outcomes.
The assessment comes at a time when Gauteng’s education system is already grappling with overcrowding, infrastructure backlogs and growing enrolment pressures.
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More Than 1,300 Schools Assessed
According to the Gauteng Department of Education, the environmental analysis profiled over 1,300 schools across the province to better understand the factors affecting safety and learning environments.
The study identified 245 schools as high risk due to various challenges, including:
- Violence and gang-related activity
- Bullying among learners
- Substance abuse
- Vandalism and burglaries
- Inadequate security infrastructure
- Criminal activity in surrounding communities
The department said the findings reinforce concerns that schools are increasingly reflecting challenges already present within many communities.
School Safety Linked to Community Conditions
The department said school safety cannot be viewed in isolation from broader social issues affecting Gauteng communities.
“School safety cannot be separated from the broader social realities of challenges relating to crime, violence, substance abuse and social instability that confront South Africa,” the department said.
Officials noted that these pressures are increasingly manifesting within school environments, affecting both learners and educators.
Through the department’s Thuto Pele engagement programme, school governing bodies and principals have consistently raised concerns about crime and deteriorating infrastructure around schools.
Among the issues highlighted were:
- Damaged perimeter fencing
- Poor lighting
- Theft and burglaries
- Vandalism
- Community crime spillover
The department said these factors negatively affect schools’ ability to provide safe and supportive learning environments.
Bullying and Mental Health Emerging as Key Concerns
Beyond physical security threats, Gauteng schools are also reporting increasing concerns related to learner mental health and emotional wellbeing.
The department’s partnership with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has expanded support services to learners and educators across the province.
In April 2026 alone, the programme reached:
- More than 11,000 learners
- More than 150 educators
Schools participating in the initiative reported concerns around:
- Bullying
- Substance abuse
- Peer pressure
- Anxiety and depression
- Learner mental health challenges
The department said these issues continue to affect learner wellbeing and academic performance.
Support Programmes Reaching Thousands of Learners
Another intervention currently operating in Gauteng schools is the Isibindi Ezikoleni Programme.
The programme is active in 30 schools and has reached more than 35,000 learners through awareness campaigns, support programmes and targeted interventions.
According to the department, these programmes aim to strengthen resilience among learners while providing support for those facing social and emotional challenges.
Education officials said addressing mental health concerns has become increasingly important as schools navigate both safety and wellbeing challenges.
Security Measures Expanded Across Gauteng
The Gauteng Department of Education said several security interventions have already been implemented across the province.
These include:
- Private security deployment at 121 schools
- CCTV installations at 606 schools
- A surveillance partnership with Vodacom
- Ongoing school safety monitoring initiatives
However, officials cautioned that security infrastructure alone will not solve the problem.
“The department recognises that school safety cannot be achieved through security measures alone,” it said.
Officials added that long-term solutions require addressing the root causes of violence, criminal behaviour and social instability.
Revised School Safety Strategy Expected This Year
Government is currently reviewing a revised School Safety Strategy that has been under development since 2024.
The updated strategy is expected to be finalised during 2026 and will focus on strengthening prevention, intervention and support measures across Gauteng schools.
The department said collaboration between government, communities, schools, parents and law enforcement agencies will remain critical.
It stressed that creating safe schools is a shared responsibility that extends beyond the education sector.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
The identification of 245 high-risk schools highlights the growing challenges facing Gauteng’s education system beyond overcrowding and infrastructure shortages.
For parents, learners and educators, the findings point to increasing concerns around safety, mental health, bullying and substance abuse within school communities.
The assessment also demonstrates how broader community challenges such as crime, social instability and vandalism can directly affect learning environments.
As Gauteng continues to experience population growth and rising enrolment numbers, ensuring safe and supportive schools is likely to remain a major priority for education authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were schools classified as high risk?
Schools were assessed based on factors including violence, bullying, substance abuse, vandalism, criminal activity and safety infrastructure challenges.
How many schools were assessed?
More than 1,300 schools were profiled through an environmental analysis conducted by the Matthew Goniwe School of Leadership and Governance.
How many schools were identified as high risk?
The assessment flagged 245 schools as high risk across Gauteng.
What safety measures are currently in place?
The department has deployed private security to 121 schools, installed CCTV systems at 606 schools and partnered with Vodacom on surveillance initiatives.
When will the revised School Safety Strategy be implemented?
The Gauteng Department of Education said the updated strategy, which has been under review since 2024, is expected to be finalised during 2026.
Focus Turns to Long-Term Solutions
While security interventions continue to be rolled out, education officials say lasting improvements will depend on addressing the underlying social and community factors contributing to violence and instability.
The department is expected to continue implementing learner support programmes, strengthening school security measures and finalising its revised School Safety Strategy as part of efforts to create safer learning environments across Gauteng.
