Thembisa Shologu
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane continues to engage with school principals, School Governing Body (SGB) members, and key stakeholders on the robust implementation of Operation Kgutla Molao.
Operation Kgutla Molao aims to address critical issues such as violence, sexual harassment, bullying, and the presence of illegal substances in schools while fostering an environment of stability, peace, and uninterrupted learning.
Speaking at a meeting held at Sizwe High School in Elandsfontein on Tuesday, Chilaone highlighted the programme’s positive impact since its launch in July at Qalabotjha Secondary School in Vlakfontein where learner discipline and staff morale has improved.
Sizwe and Qalabotjha are among the 75 prioritised schools on a list of 245 schools within the province identified as high-risk institutions.
“By addressing various safety concerns and collaborating with law enforcement, government agencies, communities, and organisations, they are actively working to create a safer and more secure learning environment for all,” Chiloane stated.
He emphasised that these initiatives prioritise the safety of both learners and staff while underscoring the importance of comprehensive training and awareness programs.
“As we move forward, the department remains steadfast in its dedication to ensuring that schools in the province become beacons of safety, learning, and growth for all students.”
MEC Chiloane reiterated some critical interventions of the programme, which include:
- The deployment of four-armed security guards at each school.
- Training of School Safety Committees by the Matthew Goniwe School of Leadership.
- Activation of e-Panic buttons for 3000 staff members will be rolled out in collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Community Safety soon.
- Initiating patrols by Safety Wardens (Ama Panya-Panya) around schools in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Community Safety.
- Installation of CCTV cameras in schools, which will be linked to a provincial command centre.
Regarding the CCTV cameras, Chiloane explained that they will be connected to the central command centre of the province, where law enforcement will be able to view what is happening in the school.
“These are not individual cameras that could be viewed by the SGB or the principal alone; these are a direct feed and will run permanently,” said the MEC.
Chiloane said the installation of cameras will initially commence in 19 schools and eventually expand to include all schools across the province.
SOURCED FROM GAUTENG GOVERNMENT WEBSITE.
