The removal of school security guards ignites fear in parents

The Gauteng education department has announced the decision to cancel school security contracts. This decision was taken at the end of 2025 and sparked fears of rising violence and crimes at schools. Parents have addressed the concern for their children and educators.

With just a few days before the reopening of Gauteng schools on 14 January 2025, Jodeen Mitchell, a parent from a school in Westbury, Johannesburg, shared her fear for her child’s safety.

“The community is already dangerous. We fear that criminals now may start infultrating the schools and tomenting our children,” Mitchell said.

“The decision is risky and needs to be reconsidered.”

Maletsatsi Senong, another parent of teenagers in Tembisa says she fears for her children’s lives.

“My girl is a teenager, and I am scared of what may happen. I dont want my son recruited into gangs or having their bright future taken away from them. Does this mean then parents need to put money together for private security at schools – how will we keep our children safe, not every parent can afford to pay for safety.”

In a statement by the DA they shared how schools  have become targets for criminals.

“The Gauteng Department of Education’s reckless decision to cancel school security contracts without conducting a risk assessment has endangered learners and teachers’ lives and even resulted in tragic losses.”

The DA said the government was gambling with the lives of learners.

“This dangerous decision has already had devastating consequences. Last month, a principal and an administrator at Enxiweni Primary School in Tembisa were shot dead on school premises. This is not mismanagement; it is gross negligence.”

The Gauteng Department of Education’s acknowledgement of its reckless decision is contained in MEC Chiloane’s response to DA questions in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.

“The department did not assess the financial impact of withdrawing security guards and the projected cost of vandalism, burglary, and arson. It also did not consider the safety implications for learners, teachers, and school staff, or the systemic consequences for high-risk schools already under criminal threat. Yet, despite this complete absence of due diligence, the department went ahead and removed properly trained security guards from schools across the province.”