By Nangamso Mabindla
30 August 2007

MOVED by the high levels of crime in Eastern Cape schools, the provincial government is planning a summit on school safety.

Announced by Premier Nosimo Balindlela in her State of the Province address earlier this year, the summit is a partnership between the provincial departments of education and safety and liaison.

Safety and liaison spokesperson Ncedo Kumbaca said that a police report on the assessment of schools within the 29 police station precincts in the Eastern Cape, reflected that crimes like assault, substance and alcohol abuse, murder, rape and theft were prevalent.

"In response to the prevailing challenge and the premier's instruction, the two departments decided to host this summit in East London today and on Friday, 31 August," Kumbaca said.

The objectives of the summit were to establish an integrated approach to enhance safety and security at schools, reduce school violence and mobilise communities to create an environment conducive to effective teaching and learning.

"[It] is expected to develop a School Safety Programme that will initially be piloted in 40 schools in Buffalo City, the Nelson Mandela Metro and King Sabatha Dalindyebo Muncipality," he added.

Some of the key focus areas of the School Safety Programme would be infrastructure, community mobilisation, and drug and substance abuse.