Unpaid Security Firms Threaten Safety at Gauteng Schools

The financial crisis within the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has escalated, endangering the safety of children in the province. Security service providers have voiced concerns about outstanding invoices that threaten their operations. This situation poses a risk to vulnerable schools, particularly those designated as high-risk.

Unpaid Security Firms Impacting Gauteng Schools

Several security firms contracted to protect schools have not received payments for many months, with some invoices outstanding since October 2024 and the majority since April 2025. As a result, these providers have been ordered to withdraw their security personnel by the end of June 2025. This withdrawal places learners, educators, and school infrastructure at increased risk of crime and violence.

Concerns from Service Providers

• Service providers have expressed frustration over the GDE’s failure to make timely payments.
• Hundreds of security guards are left unpaid and without jobs, harming many families.
• This crisis is affecting the livelihoods of small businesses involved in school security.

One security provider revealed, “The lack of accountability from the GDE has destroyed livelihoods and compromised safety at Gauteng’s schools.” He has urged immediate action to settle unpaid invoices and restore security services.

Government Response

In response to the growing concerns, GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona has acknowledged the financial issues and indicated that solutions are being implemented. He stated that plans are underway to ensure all outstanding payments are processed. Additionally, the GDE has ended private security services in certain high-risk schools and is collaborating with the Gauteng Department of Community Safety to deploy patrollers and traffic wardens.

Increased Violence in Schools

As security measures falter, incidents of violence in schools throughout South Africa are on the rise. Teachers and students are facing serious threats, including stabbings and fights.

Notable Violent Incidents

A recent incident involved a 17-year-old learner at Trenance Park Secondary School in KwaZulu-Natal, who was stabbed by two fellow students during school hours. Clinical psychologist Dr. Keitumetse Mashego emphasizes the urgent need for multidisciplinary support teams in schools. She stated that teachers, who are also under extreme stress, require debriefing and support to handle their challenging environment.

Concerns Over School Meal Providers

The security crisis is compounded by related issues in the school nutrition program. Meal service providers have raised alarms about unpaid invoices, which threaten the delivery of food to thousands of students.

Impact on School Nutrition Program

• Irregular payment processes have left suppliers struggling to maintain operations.
• Many suppliers are exhausting resources and cannot continue to provide meals to schools.
• The extension of Gauteng’s National School Nutrition Programme has increased demand but reduced budgets.

Lisa Sukdev, a spokesperson for affected meal providers, warned that the situation is becoming unsustainable. The combination of increased demand for subsidized meals and budget cuts has exacerbated payment delays. Mabona cited socio-economic changes as a significant pressure point affecting the program.

This financial and logistical turmoil at the Gauteng Department of Education raises urgent questions about the safety and well-being of students in the province. The call for immediate action is more critical than ever. Ensuring that security firms are paid and school nutrition services are maintained is essential for the protection and support of Gauteng’s learners.