In the last few months, reports of mass shooting across Cape Town have been widely reported in the media. Affected communities live under siege, violating their rights to life and freedom of movement among others. This is also the case for school children. The Commission is alarmed by reports from certain communities of children dropping out of school because of gang territory.
In view of the impact of gang violence on human rights, the right to have access to education in particular, the Commission has called relevant role players to have a focussed discussion on what needs to be urgently done to safeguard children and schools against this scourge.
The role players include:
- The Western Cape Education Department.
- Children’s Commissioner.
- South African Police Service.
- The Police Ombudsman.
- Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services
- Anti-Gangsterism Task Team.
- Safer Schools.
- Principals and Educators of affected schools.
- Community Leaders.
- Commission for Gender Equality.
- Date: Wednesday, 05 November 2025
- Time: 10h00am– 15h00
- Venue: Sun Square City Bowl, 23 Buitegracht Street, Cape Town
Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission