The National Catholic Board of Education (NCBE) and the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Justice and Peace Commission have issued a statement expressing concern over increasing levels of violence and criminal activity in schools across South Africa, describing the situation as the “normalization of violence” and a “national moral failure”.

The statement follows recent incidents of violence on school premises, including the killing of a school principal and an administrative assistant at Inxiweni Primary School in Thembisa. According to the two bodies, these incidents reflect a broader national pattern affecting the education sector.

National crime statistics indicate that in the first quarter of the 2024/25 financial year, 12 murders and 74 rapes were recorded on school premises. In the second quarter, 13 murders and 106 rapes were reported. Over 11,000 cases of burglary at schools were recorded in the past year.

In the Western Cape, between January and July 2025, 454 incidents of assault were recorded at schools, with several cases involving weapons. The statement notes that official figures may not fully reflect the scale of violence due to underreporting.

The NCBE and SACBC Justice and Peace Commission stated that the recurring cycle of public attention and subsequent inaction has contributed to the normalization of violence in educational spaces. They note that this has affected the ability of schools to function as safe learning environments and has had consequences for both learners and educators.

Moral and Education Context

The statement situates the issue within the framework of Catholic Social Teaching, specifically referring to the principles of human dignity, solidarity, and the common good. Reference is also made to Pope Francis’ encyclical Fratelli Tutti, which states that “every act of violence committed against a human being is a wound in humanity’s flesh”.

According to the statement, violence in schools undermines both the right to education and the protection of children, and requires responses that address security, social, and moral dimensions.

Recommendations

The statement calls on the Department of Basic Education to resurrect the National School Safety Steering Committee and fully implement the Proposed School Safety Programme, noting that current efforts to identify high-risk schools with SAPS remain insufficient and lack the systemic depth needed for real change.

It also calls for the prioritisation of Peace Education in all schools to equip learners and educators with tools for conflict resolution, emotional wellness, and effective communication, affirming that “Education is the most powerful weapon against the culture of hatred and violence”.

In addition, it urges adequate funding for essential safety infrastructure, including fencing and security personnel, and for the South African Police Service (SAPS) to adopt rapid-response protocols with visible policing during at-risk periods and specialised firearm and gang-intervention units prioritising high-risk school zones before violence reaches school gates.

The statement further calls for stronger support for school principals managing safety without sufficient resources, personnel, or institutional backing. It concludes by urging coordinated action by government, civil society, law enforcement, faith groups, and local communities to address violence in learning environments.