Concerns are mounting over increasing gang activity in schools, particularly in vulnerable communities across the Cape Flats, where incidents are beginning to spill onto school grounds and disrupt learning environments.
Experts warn that the growing presence of gangs is placing both learners and educators at risk, while also undermining the quality of education.
Criminologist Dr Simon Howell said schools cannot be separated from the communities they serve, where gangsterism is often deeply rooted.
“Schools are part of communities and, as such, they are embedded within those communities, and unfortunately, gangsterism and gang activity are also embedded in many communities,” Howell said.
He added that these dynamics interact in complex ways, ultimately affecting learners’ ability to focus on their education and respond constructively to challenges.
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Meanwhile, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) says the issue is not new but remains a persistent challenge.
WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said incidents in communities often spill over into schools, particularly after weekends marked by gang-related violence.
“Sadly, what’s happening in the outside environment does infiltrate the school. We see it a lot on Monday mornings when gang-related incidents occur over the weekend, and it can play out further in retaliatory attacks or targeted incidents during the week,” Hammond said.
She added that learners who become involved in gangs outside of school often bring those dynamics into the classroom environment.
Listen to the full interview below:
The situation has raised renewed concerns about learner safety, the influence of socio-economic challenges, and the need for stronger interventions to prevent gang involvement among young people.
VOC News
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