Schools under siege across South Africa
South African schools are increasingly being targeted by criminals involved in extortion, vandalism, and theft.
Authorities and education officials have raised concerns over the growing number of cases, which are affecting staff, school operations, and infrastructure across several provinces.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube first highlighted the concern of a rise in extortion incidents at the end of 2024.
In one case at the Efata School for the Blind in the Eastern Cape, criminals demanded R50,000 from a nurse. When she refused, her belongings were stolen, and the school principal was also threatened.
In the Western Cape, at Zane Mfundo Primary School in Philippi East, teachers were reportedly forced to pay 10% of their salaries to criminals in exchange for protection.
Classes at the school were cancelled due to safety concerns, and while the matter was reported to police, there was little to no response.
Gwarube said this type of extortion is no longer isolated to one province. More schools across the country have reported similar threats in 2025, raising concerns about the safety of educators and the lack of a consistent response.
On 26 July 2025, teachers at Dalibhunga Senior Secondary School in Ngqeleni reported finding a threatening note on school grounds. The note demanded a monthly protection fee of R1,000 from each teacher.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the case was referred to the Eastern Cape Provincial Organised Crime Unit due to the seriousness of the threat.
“The Eastern Cape Organised Crime Unit is investigating a case of extortion following a criminal complaint,” the SAPS said.
“We urge school staff, learners, and the community to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity.” No arrests have been made so far.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Major General Thandiswa Kupiso, said the case is being treated as a priority.
“Extortion targeting educators is an attack on our education system and community stability. The Organised Crime Unit is using all available resources to investigate,” she said.
A growing concern
In the Western Cape, criminal activity has taken the form of school vandalism and theft, particularly during school holidays.
Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier reported that 57 incidents of burglary and vandalism were recorded at 46 schools during the June/July 2025 holiday period.
This is an increase from the same time last year, when 45 incidents affecting 39 schools were reported.
Maynier said stolen or damaged items include fencing, building fixtures, electrical wiring, kitchen equipment, computers, sports gear, plumbing parts, and various supplies. The total cost of the damage is expected to exceed R1 million.
MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety in the Western Cape, Anroux Marais, said these incidents are a serious concern.
“Stealing from our schools is stealing from our children. We ask anyone with information about these crimes to come forward.”
In response to the growing problem, an independent consultancy firm, Security Risk Assessment Concept, said most schools in the country have not undergone proper security reviews.
“Approximately 99.89% of schools in South Africa have never had an independent risk assessment,” the firm stated. “They lack adequate security and often do not understand what effective protection entails.”
The firm said that these risk assessments are crucial in helping school leaders understand their risks and how to address them.
“A proper assessment identifies specific threats and offers practical solutions. Schools are responsible for the safety of children and staff and should take this responsibility seriously.”
The firm also called on parents to consider school security when choosing educational institutions for their children. “This includes not just schools, but also preschools, colleges, and universities,” it added.
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