Gauteng wants AI cameras in classrooms after thousands of violent school incidents
· The South African
After more than 4 600 violent incidents and over 4 000 cases of vandalism were recorded at Gauteng schools over the past five years, the provincial government is now looking at high-tech solutions to improve safety in classrooms.
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Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile has unveiled an ambitious school safety plan that could eventually see AI-powered cameras, biometric access systems and enhanced security measures rolled out across schools in the province.
The proposal comes as education officials grapple with rising incidents of learner violence, attacks on teachers, vandalism and criminal activity affecting schools.
According to the Gauteng Department of Education, the province remains one of South Africa’s major crime hotspots, accounting for around 26% of reported crimes nationally.
Hundreds of schools and classrooms already receiving extra security
The new safety strategy builds on interventions already underway.
The department says enhanced security support has already been introduced at 422 schools, while an additional 121 high-risk schools are receiving targeted protection measures.
These initiatives are being implemented in partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and private-sector stakeholders.
However, officials believe more needs to be done.
“There’s been intervention in schools. These include having cameras, but the MEC wants to take it further,” Gauteng Education spokesperson Onwabile Lubhelwana said in an interview with Newzroom Afrika.
“He wants to take it to the extent of having biometric systems and AI-powered cameras, which recognise the face and some other body parts.” Lubhelwana added.
What the technology could look like
While detailed plans are still being developed, the proposal could include advanced surveillance systems capable of identifying individuals through facial recognition and biometric technology.
Schools could also use biometric access systems to monitor who enters and exits school grounds.
The department believes these AI cameras could help deter misconduct, improve security and assist authorities in responding to incidents more quickly.
The broader vision also includes stronger security systems aimed at protecting schools from violence, vandalism, theft and other criminal activity.
One of the biggest questions surrounding the proposal, however, is cost.
The department has not yet provided a price tag for the initiative, with officials saying a team is currently assessing the financial viability of the plans.
Instead of relying solely on government funding, Maile is seeking support from businesses, community organisations and other stakeholders through what he describes as a social compact for education.
Lubhelwana said several companies have already expressed interest in contributing.
“Some are coming to assist in terms of tech, such as cameras inside the classroom,” he said.
“Not everyone is looking for a tender. Some people are really patriotic and are interested in helping schools work.”
According to the department, some businesses have already funded school infrastructure projects, while others are exploring ways to contribute technology and security solutions.
Schools reflecting wider social problemsEducation officials argue that many of the challenges seen in schools are linked to broader social issues affecting communities.
Exposure to violence, criminal activity and difficult home environments often spills over into the classroom, contributing to behavioural problems and conflict among learners.
The department says it has observed growing levels of learner-on-learner violence, as well as incidents involving attacks on teachers and other school staff.
Weapons found on school grounds have also become a concern.
To help address this, Maile is encouraging greater community involvement, including volunteers who can assist schools with safety initiatives and search operations.
While the plans have attracted significant attention, the department has cautioned that implementation will not happen overnight.
Lubhelwana said the MEC hopes to achieve many of the objectives during the current administration, but acknowledged that funding, partnerships and regulatory processes will take time.