Cape Town – Extra security guards have been promised for all Khayelitsha schools after a series of “devastating criminal attacks” targeted at pupils, teachers and school infrastructure this year.
According to the Khayelitsha Development Forum, more than six schools have been hit by armed assailants since the start of the academic year.
Portfolio committee on basic
education chairperson Bongiwe
Mbinqo-Gigaba said yesterday the committee would monitor the efforts.
“The committee was made aware that the MEC for education in the Western Cape promised to deploy security guards to all the Khayelitsha schools after the devastating criminal attacks on teachers at schools.
“I have taken the matter up with the national Department of Basic
Education to ask for assistance in liaising with the relevant provincial education department.
“We take the safety of our learners and educators very seriously.
“While these discussions by the education authorities are under way,
I appeal for calm at our schools.”
Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said the department had
met residents on several occasions regarding addressing crime at schools in the area.
“As discussed with them, the best option was to use the Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) model, however, there was a shortage of accredited NHWs in the area.
“To ensure the safety of learners, the NHW would need to be accredited through the Department of Community Safety. Applications for accreditation are currently being screened,” Hammond said.