Gauteng education department flags 245 high-risk schools amid rising violence and substance abuse
via The Citizen2 min read
The Gauteng education department has identified 245 high-risk schools due to increasing violence, bullying, and substance abuse, warning of a serious safety crisis. An environmental analysis by the Matthew Goniwe School of Leadership and Governance profiled over 1,300 schools, leading to the identification of the high-risk institutions. The department noted that safety challenges are linked to broader community issues such as crime, violence, substance abuse, and social instability. Concerns raised by communities through the Thuto Pele engagement programme include criminal activity, inadequate security infrastructure, damaged fencing, poor lighting, vandalism, and burglaries. Beyond physical safety, the department highlighted a growing mental health burden, with interventions through its partnership with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group Sadag reaching over 11,000 students and more than 150 teachers in April 2026. The Isibindi Ezikoleni Programme has also reached over 35,000 pupils across 30 schools. In response, the department deployed private security to 121 schools and installed CCTV systems at 606 schools, also partnering with Vodacom on a school surveillance project. A revised School Safety Strategy, under review since 2024, is expected to be finalized in 2026, emphasizing that sustainable solutions require a comprehensive approach addressing root causes. The department stressed that safe schools are both a security and educational imperative, and the govern
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Three months after Sibonelo Nomvalo was appointed secretary-general of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party MK Party, his position is being questioned following reports of an alleged plot to remove him. Sunday World reported that Nomvalo accused Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza, the party鈥檚 caucus leader in the KwaZulu-Natal legislature, of leading this plot. Nomvalo is reportedly accused of being controlled by a senior politician from a rival party and receiving expensive gifts and security from individuals outside the MK Party. Nomvalo has denied these allegations and has reportedly asked senior MK Party leaders to investigate the claims and take disciplinary action against Chiliza. The MK Party has experienced a high turnover of secretaries-general since its formation in 2023 and has not held an elective conference, leaving top leadership appointments to party founder Jacob Zuma and his associates. Political analyst Andre Duvenhage stated that the instability is due to the party being run by a "cabal of personal interests" centered around Jacob Zuma, lacking proper procedures and organizational structures. Duvenhage also suggested that Zuma benefits from internal divisions as part of a "divide-and-rule" strategy.
South Africa has achieved 392 consecutive days without load shedding, a significant improvement in the national power system. However, many Gauteng residents continue to experience daily power cuts due to load reduction, which is distinct from load shedding. Load reduction is a localized measure applied to specific feeders to prevent equipment failure and safety hazards caused by illegal connections, meter tampering, and infrastructure overloading. Eskom stated on June 12 that its load reduction elimination program is progressing, with approximately 43% of affected households 726,324 already restored to normal supply across all provinces. The remaining 57% are concentrated in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. While the Northern Cape and Western Cape have fully eliminated load reduction, progress in Gauteng is slower, with only 39% of its target feeders cleared. Eskom anticipates full elimination in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal by 2027, with other provinces targeted for October 2026. The national grid shows improved stability, with average unplanned outages decreasing to 10,143MW between June 5 and 11, 2026, and a comfortable buffer of available capacity above projected demand for the evening peak on June 15.
President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by South African youth, 50 years after the 1976 Soweto uprising. In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa acknowledged that while the 1976 generation fought against injustice, today's youth confront the barriers of unemployment and economic exclusion. He noted that many young South Africans experience frustration due to scarce job opportunities, despite their efforts in training and job applications. The President emphasized that the government is working to address this crisis through inclusive growth, infrastructure investment, and reforms, which have secured R890 billion in new pledges. He called for collective action from companies, departments, organizations, and individuals to create opportunities for young people, stating that the nation recognizes their potential and is committed to helping them achieve it. Ramaphosa's message underscored the need for the courage of 1976 to inspire the current generation to overcome economic challenges, ensuring that freedom leads to opportunity.