The Department of Basic Education (DBE), in partnership with the Northern Cape Department of Education (NCDoE), hosted a three-day School Safety District Support Intervention, which included Stakeholder Engagement and School-Based Workshop at De Lange Lodge in De Aar from 28 to 30 July 2026. Held under the theme: “Strengthen stakeholder relations in preventing and managing violence in schools,” the workshop brought together district officials, school management teams, educators and key stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, share best practice and enhance the implementation of school safety measures that promote safe, secure and enabling learning environments.

Officially opening the workshop, Mr Freddy Silengile, District Director for the Pixley ka Seme District, welcomed delegates and emphasised that ensuring school safety requires a collective effort. He encouraged participants to actively engage throughout the programme, highlighting the importance of strong partnerships between schools, communities and stakeholders in preventing and managing violence.

Mr Sfiso Ngobese, Director for School Safety at the DBE, explained that the workshop aimed to strengthen district capacity and improve the implementation of the National School Safety Framework (NSSF). He noted that shortages of school safety coordinators had left some schools without adequate support and training. Mr Ngobese also outlined the collaborative protocol between the DBE and the South African Police Service (SAPS), which promotes coordinated interventions to prevent crime, substance abuse and school-related Gender-Based Violence (GBV), while strengthening child safeguarding and improving reporting mechanisms.

Building on this, Ms Dululu Hlatshaneni, Deputy Director for Social Cohesion, presented on the “Protocol for the Management and Reporting of Incidents of Sexual Abuse and Harassment in Schools”. She explained that the protocol provides a standardised framework for reporting and responding to incidents, clearly defining the roles of schools, districts and education authorities whilst ensuring compliance with child protection legislation and appropriate support for victims.

Mr Sammy Maraba, from the DBE’s School Safety Directorate, presented on the NSSF, focusing on practical tools that help schools identify and manage safety risks. He highlighted the use of diagnostic tools, safety audits, learner and educator surveys, incident reporting mechanisms and School Safety Plans to strengthen preparedness and improve safety management.

Addressing learner discipline and governance, Mr Nkosana Thakgedi, Director for Education Management Development and Governance, unpacked the amended legislative framework, emphasising the importance of fair, lawful and child-centred disciplinary practices that protect learners’ rights while maintaining safe and orderly schools.

The workshop also addressed disaster risk management in schools. Mr Baba Malaka from the School Safety Directorate, highlighted the importance of developing measures to deal with potential disasters in schools. He further urged schools to develop evacuation plans, conduct drills and service fire extinguishers regularly. A total of 21 schools represented by school principals, safety officers and School Governing Body members participated in the workshop. Additionally, stakeholders such as SAPS, the Departments of Community Safety and Liaison, Health and Social Development, as well as local government structures participated in the workshop. 

Closing the workshop, schools were urged to strengthen School Safety Committees; fully implement the NSSF; review Learner Codes of Conduct in line with the BELA Act; and incorporate the revised Protocol on Sexual Abuse and Harassment into school policies. Delegates were assured that all supporting circulars, protocols and presentation materials would be shared to support implementation.

The workshop reaffirmed the DBE and NCDoE’s shared commitment to strengthening school safety through collaboration, accountability and proactive leadership. By equipping education stakeholders with practical knowledge, legislative guidance and effective intervention strategies, the engagement laid a strong foundation for creating safer, more inclusive learning environments where every learner and educator can thrive.