Communication Failure in South African Schools: A Case Study on Missed Opportunities for Security information

In South Africa, where schools face daily threats from crime and violence, communication should be the first line of defense, yet it’s failing. Alwinco’s latest case study reveals that over 70% of schools across the country have unreachable or inactive email addresses. What began as an attempt to share crucial information about independent security risk assessments turned into a sobering discovery of widespread communication breakdowns. If schools cannot be contacted, how can they respond to warnings, emergencies, or opportunities to strengthen safety? This isn’t just poor administration; it’s a security vulnerability. Communication is not optional; it’s the foundation of protection.

1. PSIRA 2038881
Intellectual Property Notice – Alwinco
This document and its contents are intended solely for the recipient. All rights are fully protected.
No part of this publication, including text, images, reports, or assessments, may be copied, stored, resold, or shared by any means without prior written consent from Alwinco.
Unauthorized use, distribution, or modification of Alwinco’s assessment materials is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action. Page 1 of 3

Communication Failure in South African Schools: A
Case Study on Missed Opportunities for Security
information
In a country where crime is a daily reality, particularly in schools, the ability to communicate
effectively should be a top priority. Our recent case study revealed a deeply concerning issue that
goes far beyond poor administration or oversight.
At Alwinco, we attempted to reach out to 120 schools across South Africa using publicly listed
email addresses. These addresses, usually found on school websites or public directories, are
intended to provide access to the school for parents, service providers, and concerned
individuals. Most followed the standard format of [email protected] or
[email protected].
Our goal was twofold. First, we wanted to determine whether it was possible to make contact
with school decision-makers. The second objective was to understand how these decision-
makers receive and respond to information related to security, particularly regarding risk
assessments.
Following the publication of our first article about the hotline,
https://securityriskassessment.co.za/2025/07/14/why-warnings-go-unheard/ we
conducted our own study to see if we could successfully reach the relevant decision-makers.
We aimed to introduce the concept and importance of independent security risk assessments to
schools facing an increasing range of threats. Violence, theft, vandalism, and a general lack of
control over access points are widespread issues that continue to compromise the safety of both
learners and staff. It is important to note that we were not offering products or services.
We were offering insight. These assessments are objective, independent, and not connected to
sales. Their purpose is to identify weak points and provide practical, honest recommendations.


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PSIRA 2038881
Reference# 25/08/0414:39:41
Reasoning with crime is Futile. I remind myself daily: crime can’t be undone.
2025-08-0414:39:41

2. PSIRA 2038881
Intellectual Property Notice – Alwinco
This document and its contents are intended solely for the recipient. All rights are fully protected.
No part of this publication, including text, images, reports, or assessments, may be copied, stored, resold, or shared by any means without prior written consent from Alwinco.
Unauthorized use, distribution, or modification of Alwinco’s assessment materials is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action. Page 2 of 3
If schools carefully read through their security risk assessment, they would understand why
communication is such a critical element of effective protection.
Out of the 120 emails sent, only 35 reached their destination. The remaining 85 were returned as
undeliverable.
This means that more than 70 percent of our attempts to contact schools failed due to invalid or
inactive email addresses. This is not just a failed communication attempt. It is a missed
opportunity to protect schools from real danger.
This failure raises urgent questions. If schools are unreachable through their only listed digital
contact point, how can they be expected to receive critical information in a time of crisis? If a
concerned parent or authority figure needs to reach out quickly and the contact fails, what is the
backup plan? In most cases, there is none. Inaccessible email addresses leave schools cut off
from the people who need to engage with them the most.
It is troubling that in an environment as vulnerable as a school, something as simple as
maintaining a working email address is overlooked. This is not a technical glitch. It is a symptom
of poor communication planning and lack of accountability. Maintaining a working public-facing
email is one of the most basic requirements for any educational institution, especially one
responsible for the care and safety of children.
Every school should review the contact information they publish. It is a simple step that can have
a major impact. Check the inboxes. Make sure someone monitors them. Confirm that emails are
being received and responded to. Test the systems regularly. These actions do not require
expensive technology or advanced systems. They require attention, consistency, and a
commitment to being accessible.
Our case study was meant to open the door to a conversation about school safety. Instead, it
revealed a door that, in most cases, is closed completely.
We cannot help protect schools if we cannot even reach them. Communication is not just the
first step in safety. It is the foundation. Without it, everything else falls apart.
In times of increasing risk and uncertainty, the ability to connect must never be compromised.
It is important to note that schools is not the only party at fault when it comes to communication
issues.
See content credentials

If you haven't already, please read our article on hotlines,
https://securityriskassessment.co.za/2025/07/14/why-warnings-go-unheard/
Please also visit Alwinco's website for more information on independent Security Risk
Assessments.

3. PSIRA 2038881
Intellectual Property Notice – Alwinco
This document and its contents are intended solely for the recipient. All rights are fully protected.
No part of this publication, including text, images, reports, or assessments, may be copied, stored, resold, or shared by any means without prior written consent from Alwinco.
Unauthorized use, distribution, or modification of Alwinco’s assessment materials is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action. Page 3 of 3


Alwinco Team
[email protected]