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Media Release

21 January, 2009

Prevention is better than cure

The Western Cape Education Department is tackling an increase in drug trafficking, weapons and violence in schools head-on with a three pronged strategy based on prevention, intervention and response measures to reduce crime and violence within schools.

Nariman Khan, Safe Schools Manager, says research suggest that it is between 7 to 65 times cheaper to resort to crime prevention than to crime reaction.

Khan says the strategy involves environmental programmes where the physical structure of the school is secured by means of security fencing, mesh and razor wire, safety gates, burglar bars as well as alarms linked to an armed response service. In partnership with the Department of Community Safety, Bambanani Volunteers were placed at 103 high-risk schools.

Crime prevention programmes such as conflict management, trauma counselling, peer counselling, and human rights education are used to modify behaviour. In addition, sport and cultural activities and entrepreneurial training are introduced to support, modify or influence parent, educator and learner behaviour at school. Where possible the community is also included.

Systems programmes incorporate a holistic approach to changing how the whole school operates. These programmes involve leadership and management training, organisational development, community relations and effective governance. They include developing a relevant curriculum and identifying and assisting learners at risk.

She says the Safe Schools Sub-Directorate is moving towards a multi-agency, multi-disciplinary policy direction in terms of the National Crime Prevention Strategy. This strategy aims at creating a paradigm shift in how crime is perceived and addressed - from an exclusive emphasis on crime control to crime prevention; from emphasising crime as a security issue towards crime as a social issue; from a state-centred Criminal Justice System to a victim-centred restorative justice system; and to viewing safety as a basic need and fundamental right (Interdepartmental Strategy Team, 1996).

To this effect an integrated Safe Schools Strategy is in its final draft stage. The formulation of the strategy was a collaborative effort of the various role-players within the WCED, and was strengthened by the participation and commitment of other provincial and national departments, including Community Safety, the South African Police Services, Justice and Social Development.

Meanwhile the WCED's Key deliverables for 2009/10 include providing safety resource officers, closed circuit cameras (CCTV) in identified schools, increased direct support and strengthening links with partners and growing the community-school interface. The WCED already had CCTV monitoring systems installed at 60 schools in the province last year at a cost of R12 million. A limited number of these schools are being monitored centrally. Further enhancements would be establishing a monitoring system for the full complement of 60.



Issued by:
Paddy Attwell
Director: Communication
Western Cape Education Department
Tel: 021 467 2531
Fax: 021 461 3694
Email: pattwell@pgwc.gov.za

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