Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu has sounded the alarm over growing violence, drugs and bullying in schools, warning that some learners are no longer safe in classrooms.

Addressing the Provincial School Safety Indaba held at the Sabie Floreat Hotel in Thaba Chweu Local Municipality on Thursday, the Premier said schools must become “sanctuaries of growth, discipline and learning” instead of centres of fear and criminality.

The gathering brought together government leaders, police, school governing bodies, traditional leaders, labour unions and community organisations to discuss the worsening safety crisis affecting schools across Mpumalanga.

Ndlovu revealed shocking statistics from 2025, including 623 schools reporting vandalism and burglary incidents. He said learners were also exposed to 25 stabbing and gun-related incidents, while two murders were recorded on school premises.

“Two children left home alive, arrived safely at school, but never returned home alive,” said the Premier.

He warned that violence and gangsterism from communities are spilling into schools, while drugs, bullying and dangerous weapons continue to threaten learners and teachers.

“A child who worries about bullying, gangsterism or drugs cannot concentrate on learning. A teacher who feels unsafe cannot teach with passion,” he said.

The Premier also raised concerns over rising drug-related incidents in schools, which reportedly increased from five cases in the first quarter to 72 by the end of the last quarter of 2025.

Despite the grim picture, Ndlovu said there were signs of progress. The number of schools implementing anti-bullying programmes increased from 120 to 301, while schools introducing corporal punishment prevention measures rose from 50 to 265.

He urged learners to speak out against violence and criminal activity.

“Reporting danger is not weakness; it is courage,” he said.

Ndlovu called on every school in Mpumalanga to establish fully functional safety committees and enforce strict screening measures for visitors entering school premises.

The Premier further stressed that school safety is not government’s responsibility alone but requires communities, parents, teachers, police and learners to work together.

“We must build schools free from fear. Together, let us restore discipline and hope. Together, let us protect the future of our children,” he said.

The School Safety Indaba is expected to produce a Provincial School Safety Framework aimed at creating safer and child-friendly learning environments across Mpumalanga.