Protecting Learners Must Be South Africa’s First Priority in 2026

As the first school term of 2026 gets underway, South Africa is reminded that education is about far more than textbooks and classrooms. It carries a deeper responsibility: safeguarding the safety, dignity and well-being of our children. They are our future leaders, and their protection — on and off school grounds — must remain a national priority.

This responsibility has been cast into sharp relief by the tragic accident near Vanderbijlpark in the Vaal, where 14 learners lost their lives while travelling to school. What should have been a season of hope and excitement has instead been overshadowed by grief. Their deaths are a painful reminder of the human cost of recklessness on our roads.

Far too many lives continue to be lost due to human error, particularly speeding, negligent driving and disregard for traffic laws. Learners are especially vulnerable during their daily commute, as roads become more congested and traffic volumes increase. Every road user has a duty to drive responsibly and to respect the rules of the road — not just for their own safety, but for the lives of innocent children.

In response to these risks, the Department of Transport launched a back-to-school road safety campaign in Rustenburg, North West, on 8 January 2026. The campaign aims to improve scholar transport safety and calls on all road users — especially scholar transport drivers — to change behaviour and act responsibly. Parents, drivers and transport operators must ensure that vehicles are roadworthy and that children are taught basic road safety skills.

Road safety, however, is only one of the many threats facing learners today. With human trafficking on the rise, parents and caregivers must educate children about the dangers of interacting with strangers and encourage them to report suspicious behaviour to teachers or law enforcement officials.

The Department of Basic Education, working with the South African Police Service (SAPS), is intensifying the enforcement of the Safe Schools Implementation Protocol. Increased police visibility and joint crime prevention initiatives are aimed at creating learning environments free from violence, gangsterism and substance abuse.

The scale of substance abuse among young people is deeply alarming. Statistics from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) indicate that the average age of drug dependency in South Africa is just 12 years old, while around 50% of teenagers consume alcohol. These figures demand urgent, collective action. Parents, educators and communities must take a firm stand against underage drinking and drug use, which robs children of their futures.

Support resources remain available, including the Department of Social Development's Substance Abuse Helpline (0800 12 13 14) and SADAG's WhatsApp Chat Line (087 163 2025), which provide assistance to families grappling with these challenges.

Equally urgent is the need to address teenage pregnancy and sexual exploitation. While schools provide sexual education through subjects like Life Orientation, parents and guardians must have open, honest conversations with children about sexual health, consent, contraception, and their rights. Silence only fuels harm.

Recent statistics paint a troubling picture: more than 130 teenage births were recorded on Christmas Day 2025, followed by another 160 on New Year's Day. Reports of learners as young as 10 falling pregnant — an act that constitutes statutory rape — highlight the depth of the crisis. These realities undermine education, health and long-term opportunities for young people.

Parents and guardians are urged to break the silence around sexual violence, support reporting mechanisms, and destigmatise access to sexual and reproductive health services. Empowered, informed children are better equipped to protect themselves and pursue their dreams.

Beyond physical safety, emotional well-being must not be neglected. Parents should regularly check in with their children, ensure access to nutritious meals, and encourage participation in sport and recreation. Schools, religious organisations and civil society all have a role to play in building resilience and restoring hope.

As we recommit ourselves to safe learning environments, we must remember that education is not only about academic achievement. It is about nurturing confident, healthy future leaders in a society free from violence, exploitation and despair.

Government cannot do this alone. It requires a united front — parents, teachers, communities and learners themselves working together. If we stand together, 2026 can be a year defined not by tragedy, but by safety, dignity and progress for every child.