Pretoria: The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has pledged its continued commitment to fostering a safe, transparent, and supportive learning environment across all public schools in the province.
According to South African Government News Agency, the department outlined key interventions and progress in addressing school safety concerns, focusing on the impact of nearby mining activity, the expansion of first aid and disaster readiness programmes, and the enforcement of school-based safety compliance.
The GDE acknowledged that numerous schools have been affected by ground instability, air pollution, and proximity to both illegal and legal mining activities. As a result, some schools have been relocated or placed on rehabilitation programmes. Assessments have been conducted, and a rehabilitation programme is set to begin on 13 schools in areas such as Gauteng West, Centurion, and Ekurhuleni South, where dolomitic ground conditions pose challenges. These schools include Boiteko Primary School, Laerskool Fleur, and Laerskool Louis Leipoldt.
The department noted that while no formal complaints have been made regarding air pollution, schools located near heavy industrial areas in Germiston, Vereeniging, Vanderbijlpark, and other areas show signs of long-term pollution damage, such as the deterioration of concrete and masonry elements. Approximately 11 schools in the Vereeniging and Vanderbijlpark regions are currently under a rehabilitation programme.
Disaster management training for school staff has been conducted across all districts, covering firefighting and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA). Learners are educated about mining and environmental safety through various subjects, including Grade 5 Social Sciences, Life Orientation, Natural Sciences, and Geography, as part of the national CAPS curriculum.
The department continues to promote learner safety and empowerment through basic first aid training in public schools. This is a part of the Multi-Certification Skills Programme (MCSP), which provides learners with practical, accredited skills alongside formal education. Over the past three financial years, 212 schools have facilitated accredited first aid training, reaching 1,017 learners. The training covers CPR, bleeding control, burn treatment, fracture stabilisation, and seizure management, with services provided by accredited providers.
In compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the GDE prioritises school safety by training and deploying certified first aiders. To date, 315 staff members have been trained as first aiders across the province, ensuring that at least one trained first aider is present in 116 schools.
The GDE does not endorse or permit the operation of politically affiliated organisations within public schools, emphasising a focus on non-partisan learning environments. The department addresses disruptions by politically affiliated student organisations through law enforcement partnerships.
Over the past five financial years, the department recorded one corruption-related case, involving school decontamination and deep cleaning. The case was investigated by the Special Investigating Unit, leading to disciplinary action against implicated officials.
The Gauteng Department of Education remains committed to transparency and public accountability in addressing issues affecting the education sector, striving to ensure safe and supportive conditions in all schools across the province.