The DBE, in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) and key organisations including UNICEF, the Departments of Social Development and Communications and Digital Technologies, the Film and Publication Board (FPB), UNESCO, Google South Africa, and the Agape Youth Movement, held the first session of the Online Safety Learner Awareness Programme at the Glenvista High School in Johannesburg South District on 23 July 2025. The Learner Awareness Programme forms part of the broader Online Safety Integrated Programme for schools, which the DBE and its partners have been rolling out since 2024.
During the session, Mr Sammy Maraba, Assistant Director for School Safety at the DBE, explained the background and purpose of the meeting: “We are here today with our partners and departmental directorates to raise awareness about Online Safety, School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV), and Bullying”. He noted that this visit follows a physical altercation between a teacher and two learners at the school that went viral in May 2024. The severity of the incidents reported from the school prompted the GDE to conduct a further investigation into the matter and initiate interventions within the Basic Education Sector. As part of the activities, learners participated in an online Kahoot! quiz using Google where topics such as cyberbullying, child online sexual grooming and digital footprints were covered.
The DBE continued with Learner Awareness sessions at Tshipi Noto Primary School, Gauteng East District on 25 July, Willowmoore High School, Ekurhuleni South on 29 July and at Steve Bikoville Secondary School, Tshwane North District on 30 July 2025. Thus far, a total of 400 learners were reached and the DBE plans to reach more schools within eight Gauteng districts.
Furthermore, the DBE in collaboration with the Free State Department of Education, convened a local stakeholder meeting at Jimmie Roos Special School on 30 July 2025. The meeting was attended by 20 officials from Correctional Services, Justice and Constitutional Development and the Office of the Premier, as well as the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority.
The DBE briefed partner departments about the upcoming Deputy Minister’s Campaign on the Prevention of Violence in schools which will be held on 15 August 2025, at the Lenyora la Thuto Secondary School in the Free State Province. Colonel Isaac Francis from SAPS and Mr Phakamile Madola from the Office of the Premier also endorsed the Campaign, suggesting that it should reach out to parents in communities for them to assist in disciplining their children.