South African Ministers Launch Safe Schools Protocol for 245 High-Risk Schools Amid Violence in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Gauteng

A recent report by a provincial legislature in South Africa identified 245 schools as high-risk due to violence, drug abuse, bullying, and gang activities. In response, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube are launching the "Safe Schools Protocol" initiative in Cape Town to address these issues. Minister Mchunu highlighted a worrying increase in school violence, particularly in the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Gauteng, emphasizing that schools should be safe spaces for learning and growth. The government is collaborating with the police to maintain peace and order in public schools. Additionally, non-governmental organizations have criticized the government for insufficient protection of children amid a rise in crimes against them, often perpetrated by those expected to protect them. The issue of mothers killing their own children has also been brought to public attention, with three-quarters of fatal abuse killings occurring among infants and mothers being the most likely perpetrators. Survivors and experts have been sharing their stories and insights on this troubling phenomenon through various media programs.