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By Lungile Ntimba
In an effort to make schools safer, KwaZulu-Natal police and Basic Education Department officials made unannounced visits to three schools in Inanada where they found cigarettes and dagga.
The visits form part of the Safe Schools Protocol, which is a joint initiative between the department and the South African Police Service. It was signed last month and seeks to address social challenges such as bullying, gangsterism, substance abuse, crime and gender-based violence in schools across the country.
The schools that were visited were Ikusasalentsha Secondary School, Newtown Combined School and Inanda Comprehensive School.
The area has been identified by the department as a high-risk area for violent crime.
Department spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga confirmed on Tuesday that police engaged with learners on safety awareness and conducted searches during the visits.
“This protocol is not just a document; it’s a commitment to action. It establishes clear lines of coordination between education and law enforcement sectors to protect learners and educators alike,” Mhlanga said in a post on X.
The department’s school safety director Sifiso Ngobese emphasised the department’s commitment to restoring discipline and dignity in schools.
He described the protocol as a vital tool in the broader effort to create an environment where education could thrive.
INSIDE EDUCATION