As schools reopen for the 2026 academic year, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga has intensified efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of learners and educators through a province-wide Back to School Safety Awareness Campaign.

The campaign, conducted in partnership with relevant stakeholders, was rolled out across all three districts of the province — Nkangala, Gert Sibande and Ehlanzeni. Its main objective is to create safe and secure learning environments by educating learners about crime prevention and addressing social challenges affecting schools.

Key issues highlighted during the campaign included bullying, the carrying of dangerous weapons, substance and alcohol abuse, teenage pregnancy, human trafficking and other criminal activities that pose risks to both learners and educators.

SAPS members engaged directly with learners from primary and high schools, offering guidance on personal safety, responsible behaviour and the importance of reporting crime. Educators and school management teams were also encouraged to work closely with the police to strengthen school safety initiatives and promote a culture of vigilance within school communities.

In the Gert Sibande District, the Mpumalanga MEC for Education, Ms Lindi Masina, visited a school in the Emzinoni area. Her visit demonstrated support for ongoing school safety programmes and reinforced the importance of continuous engagement with learners on safety-related matters.

During the campaign, SAPS visited several areas across the province. In the Nkangala District, activities took place in Delmas, Mmametlhake, Middelburg, Hendrina and Kriel. The Gert Sibande District campaign covered Emzinoni, Lothair and Leslie, while in the Ehlanzeni District, schools in Barberton and Mbuzini were visited.

SAPS has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a safe and secure learning environment for all learners across Mpumalanga. Parents, educators and community members are urged to play an active role in protecting schools and supporting crime prevention efforts.

School safety remains a shared responsibility, and SAPS has confirmed that awareness campaigns and policing efforts will continue throughout the academic year.