Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Art, Culture and Recreation, @Lebogang Maile , has delivered an overview on school safety, crime and violence in schools, alongside an assessment of current interventions to protect learners and educators. While the education system continues to face challenges such as overcrowding, infrastructure backlogs and service delivery pressures, school safety has emerged as a critical priority affecting teaching and learning. Concerns include bullying, substance abuse, violence, vandalism and criminal activity in and around schools. Through the “It Takes A Village To Raise A Child” engagements, the Department continues to engage parents, educators and communities across Gauteng. These engagements consistently highlight concerns around unsafe learner travel routes, damaged infrastructure and insecurity in school environments. A provincial study covering over 1,300 schools identified 245 high-risk schools requiring targeted intervention. The findings show strong links between school safety challenges and broader community issues such as gang activity, drugs and violence. Partner programmes including SADAG, Childline Gauteng and the Teddy Bear Foundation continue to provide psychosocial support to thousands of learners and educators, addressing trauma, mental health and child protection needs. The Department has strengthened interventions through security deployment in 422 schools, CCTV installations in 606 schools and additional protection in 121 high-risk schools. These efforts are supported by SAPS partnerships and technology-driven initiatives such as the Vodacom School Safety Project. MEC @LebogangMaile1 notes that the Department is driving a long-term, evidence-based approach focused on prevention, early intervention and stronger coordination. The School Safety Strategy review, initiated in 2024, is currently underway. Safe schools are the foundation of quality education. Protecting learners and educators remains a shared responsibility. #GrowingGautengTogether - @educationgp