The Mpumalanga Provincial Executive Council has placed School Safety at the apex of its programme of action.

This confirms government’s commitment to protect learners, teachers, non-teaching staff and school infrastructure across the province.

The move follows growing concerns over incidents of violence, criminality and insecurity within and around school premises, which continue to threaten the right of learners to learn and teachers to teach in a safe and conducive environment.

In response to these challenges, EXCO approved the convening of the Provincial School Safety Indaba, scheduled to take place from 28 – 29 May 2026 at the Sabie Floreat Hotel in the Thaba Chweu Local Municipality.

The Indaba represents a major step towards strengthening school safety systems and building resilient learning institutions throughout Mpumalanga.

The Provincial School Safety Indaba will bring together a broad spectrum of stakeholders under a multi-sectoral and collaborative approach, including the Department of Education, the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, the Department of Social Development, the Department of Health and the Department of Correctional Services.

This collaborative effort demonstrates government’s understanding that school safety is not solely an education matter, but a societal responsibility that requires collective action and accountability.

The Indaba further seeks to intensify the implementation of the School Safety Protocol signed by key stakeholders committed to combating violence and crime in schools.

It also builds on the national commitment demonstrated in July 2024 when the Minister of Police and the Minister of Basic Education signed a protocol agreement aimed at strengthening safety measures within schools nationally.