The City of Cape Town’s School Resource Unit is strengthening school safety while creating opportunities for youth development through sports, cultural activities and violence prevention programmes that help learners build confidence, develop positive relationships and thrive in safer learning environments.
Since its launch as a pilot project in 2012, when officers were deployed to just six schools, the unit has expanded significantly. Today, 123 School Resource Officers (SROs) serve 63 schools and their surrounding communities, combining law enforcement with educational support and social crime prevention initiatives.
Between January and September 2026, officers made 22 arrests, issued 2,981 fines for traffic and by-law violations, and confiscated 90 dangerous weapons, 591.5 units of drugs, a firearm and an imitation firearm.
Officers also confiscated 4,696 smoking-related items from learners, including vapes, lighters and cigarettes, highlighting ongoing concerns about tobacco use among young people.
Despite these challenges, the City has reported a steady decline in the number of dangerous weapons confiscated in recent years, reflecting encouraging progress in efforts to improve school safety.
The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, said the unit’s work extends beyond enforcement to addressing the social challenges that can place young people at risk.
‘There has been a steady decline in the number of dangerous weapons confiscated in recent years, which is a good sign, although the use of tobacco and related products among learners remains cause for concern. Not only does it impact their health, but there’s also the risk of escalation to other substances. Our School Resource Officers work closely with schools and communities in their areas of deployment to keep school grounds safe spaces, but they’ve also developed a range of programmes to boost youth development. These social crime prevention efforts and the dedication of the officers involved should be applauded. Not only does it improve the immediate learning environment, but it also mitigates the risk of young people falling in with the wrong crowd,’ said Smith.
Beyond their enforcement responsibilities, School Resource Officers participate in extracurricular activities designed to encourage positive behaviour, teamwork and personal development.
These initiatives include sports programmes, marching bands, choirs and educational awareness campaigns addressing bullying, peer pressure and other forms of antisocial behaviour.
The unit has also introduced an annual netball tournament and a fun run at Zeekoevlei, providing learners with opportunities to participate in organised recreational activities and strengthen relationships across schools.
The most recent fun run, held on 24 September 2026, brought together 168 learners from 12 schools for a six-kilometre route.
Participating schools included Liwa Primary, Kalksteenfontein Primary, Pelican Park Primary, Hillwood Primary, Hindle High, Elsewood High, Beauvallon High, Arcadia High, Bulumko High, Dr Nelson Mandela High, Joe Slovo High and Pelican Park High.
The activities form part of a broader effort to create supportive school environments where young people can develop confidence, discipline and a sense of belonging.
Over the past three years, the School Resource Unit has also partnered with the Hanns Seidel Foundation and the Western Cape Education Department to implement the YES-SA violence prevention programme at nine schools in Delft and Hanover Park.
The programme focuses on preventing violence, strengthening learners’ self-esteem and creating safe spaces where children feel comfortable expressing themselves, discussing challenges and seeking assistance.
To date, 42 School Resource Officers have received initial training to facilitate the programme, strengthening their ability to support learners beyond traditional law enforcement responsibilities.
Smith welcomed the unit’s evolution, highlighting the importance of combining safety interventions with mentorship and positive youth engagement.
‘It is incredibly encouraging to see how the SRO initiative has evolved over time. Yes, they can enforce the law when required, but their day-to-day tasks also highlight the softer side of the uniform, which is as critical to public safety. As we round out the academic year, I want to thank each one of the officers for their role in helping to build brighter futures for the young people in their care. I also want to encourage parents to take an active role in their children’s schooling, to support school initiatives, and for learners to take ownership of their actions and to be ambassadors for change,’ added Smith.
As the 2026 academic year approaches its conclusion, the School Resource Unit’s expanding role demonstrates how collaboration between law enforcement, schools, families and community organisations can contribute to safer learning environments.
By combining crime prevention with education, mentorship, sports and cultural development, the initiative aims to address immediate safety concerns while helping young people develop the confidence and skills needed to make positive choices.
The programme highlights the importance of investing in school safety not only as a security measure, but also as a foundation for youth development, stronger communities and brighter futures for learners across Cape Town.
