As vulnerable learners face increasing risks, prevention is key

Cape Town -  Santam, in partnership with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), is extending its Special Schools Risk Assessment Project to the Western Cape, where approximately 100 Special Schools will benefit from comprehensive risk assessments and safety interventions aimed at creating safer learning environments for vulnerable learners.

The expansion follows the successful completion of risk assessments at all Special Schools in the Eastern Cape and Free State, where measures were implemented to address identified risks. These interventions included the installation and servicing of early warning and fire safety systems such as fire extinguishers, as well as other risk mitigation measures designed to improve school safety. The project is also underway in KwaZulu Natal, where all 81 Special Schools are undergoing comprehensive risk assessments.

South Africa's schools face increasing risks, from severe weather events and fires to infrastructure challenges and safety incidents. These risks are compounded for vulnerable learners due to systemic, physical, and communication barriers. While emergency response is critical, the greatest opportunity lies in prevention.

To mitigate tragedies affecting the lives of special needs learners across the country, the DBE has prioritised over 450 schools for Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN) in South Africa for disaster risk management planning and training – a key aspect of school safety.

The partnership for disaster risk management in LSEN schools was formed between the DBE, the NDMC and Santam, South Africa’s largest general insurer, to reduce risks to our most vulnerable members of society and has rolled out in a multi-phase programme. First piloted at the St Vincent School for the Deaf in Johannesburg in 2018, the initiative was previously activated across five provinces (Free State, Northern Cape, North West, Eastern Cape and Limpopo). Due to its success, the project has expanded to include the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, where 181 additional schools will benefit. 

“Differently-abled children are extremely vulnerable during disasters,” says Tersia Mdunge, Santam CSI Manager. She explains that evacuation barriers and communication gaps create significant risks for these learners during a school emergency. “Physical mobility limitations slow down exit times for vulnerable learners during sudden emergencies like flash floods or rapidly spreading fires. Additionally, standard emergency alarms or announcements may not reach or be understood by learners with visual, auditory, or cognitive impairments,” says Mdunge.

She says that there are also less-obvious risks such as sensory overload and a dependence on caregivers in these moments. “Blaring sirens, flashing lights, and chaotic environments can trigger severe anxiety, panic, or melting down in neurodivergent students, leading to non-compliance or freezing. These learners also often require 1-to-1 assistance to navigate hazards, meaning their safety is entirely dependent on available, trained staff,” says Mdunge.

Santam, in partnership with DBE and NDMC, based on its own survey practices, developed a Standard Risk Assessment tool that assists the DBE to identify risks in Special Needs Schools and the broader school system in South Africa. This self-assessment is a first step for a school in conducting a risk assessment, and it enables the DBE and its partners to identify potential risk hot spots and respond appropriately at the necessary schools. “Following these assessments, corrective measures are implemented, including the installation and servicing of early warning and fire safety systems such as fire extinguishers, as well as other risk mitigation interventions aimed at improving school safety,” says Mdunge.

Including the latest phase of the programme, Santam has partnered with a total of 200 schools across South Africa and spent over R12m mitigating risks at schools for children with special needs.

Mdunge explains: “Inadequate safety measures and equipment in special schools can pose a physical threat to learners, teachers and the school infrastructure. As South Africa’s largest insurer, we consider it our responsibility to help society, particularly its most vulnerable members, to be better prepared and become more risk resilient by providing the tools, training and equipment required to withstand the risks they face.”

The Free State Provincial Department of Education, says that the fire risk assessments conducted at all Special Schools in the Free State Province, in line with the National School Safety Framework and applicable building regulations, have enabled schools to identify and address critical safety gaps. The support provided by Santam, in partnership with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) and facilitated by the Fire Protection Association of Southern Africa (FPASA), has been instrumental in strengthening fire safety measures across these schools.

The installation of evacuation lighting and signage now provides clear guidance for learners and staff during drills and emergency situations, reducing the risk of confusion and injury. Furthermore, firefighting and fire safety awareness training facilitated by FPASA has equipped teachers and hostel staff with the practical skills and confidence needed to respond effectively during emergencies.

“These interventions have significantly enhanced the safety and preparedness of our schools, ensuring a safer learning and living environment for both learners and staff,” said Ms Buka-Koto, Free State Provincial Dept of Education, Acting Director: Institutional Development, Management & Governance (IDMG)."

The project allows both Santam and its partners to engage with key stakeholders on the importance of proactive risk management in creating safe, resilient, and inclusive learning environments. “Through these assessments and subsequent interventions, the project seeks to strengthen safety standards, reduce risks, and support the well-being of learners, educators, and support staff across by sustainably embedding safety and risk management mechanisms in Special Schools for the long term,” concludes Mdunge.