KwaZulu-Natal has taken a significant step toward protecting its learners with the launch of the provincial School Safety Programme. Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli unveiled the initiative on 18 September 2025 at the Archie Gumede Conference Centre in Mayville, joined by government officials, school principals, teachers, and community representatives.

In his address, Premier Ntuli described schools as sanctuaries of learning that must remain safe spaces for young people to realise their potential. He highlighted the scale of challenges currently facing learners, noting that since January 2024, the province has recorded more than 2 300 cases of violence, sexual harassment, drug abuse, theft, gang activity, and faction fighting within schools.

“These are not just statistics,” the Premier said. “They represent broken lives, interrupted education, and communities in distress. We cannot and will not stand by.” 

The School Safety Programme sets out a comprehensive plan to tackle these problems, including:
• Recruiting and training Student Ambassadors to champion dignity, accountability, and safety.
• Empowering young leaders to address gender-based violence, bullying, and substance abuse, with confidential reporting channels for learners.
• Strengthening infrastructure by installing CCTV cameras in 20 schools across King Cetshwayo, eThekwini, and Amajuba Districts.
• Using arts, culture, and sport—such as poetry, debates, and games—as positive tools for awareness, prevention, and social cohesion.

To ensure sustainability, the initiative will be formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding between the Departments of Community Safety and Liaison, Education, Sport, Arts and Culture, and the South African Police Service. This agreement commits all stakeholders to mobilising resources and institutional support for the programme.

Premier Ntuli emphasised that government cannot achieve this alone, calling on parents, teachers, communities, and learners to play their part. “School safety is a collective responsibility,” he said. “Learners are not only beneficiaries of this programme; they are its champions.” 

The Premier closed by underscoring the non-negotiable importance of child safety. “No child in KwaZulu-Natal should ever fear walking into a classroom, and no parent should fear sending their child to school. Together, let us inspire new hope and build a safer tomorrow—today.”