Langaville – Menzi Primary School held celebrations to celebrate Africa Month and to raise awareness on crimes against children such as recent abductions and abuse of children.
Speaking at the event, Constable Refiloe Mukabane from the EMPD Social Crime Prevention Unit warned the children on the dangers of speaking to strangers in light of the recent kidnappings in the area.
“You must always walk in groups and remember the emergency numbers are 112 and 1011,” she says.
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She also asked them to not be lured by strangers using money and sweets.
“Do not like money so much that you want to take it from strangers.
“Only take money from your parents and do not get close to the cars of strangers, even if they want to give you money or sweets,” she continued.
She asked the children to ask their parents what their home addresses are so that in the event they go missing and are found by the police, they can be returned to their homes safely.
W/O Marcus Mathule from the Tsakane SAPS spoke to the learners about drugs and child abuse.
“You must not steal from other children and please, stay away from drugs,” he warns.
The celebrations also involved various grades performing a piece on the stage that speaks to celebrating being African, or raising awareness on child abuse.
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Health Committee member and Grade Three teacher, Thobekile Nkambule, says letting the children perform helps them learn much better than an adult speaking to them.
“The children putting on little pieces helps them to learn about different countries in Africa, especially in light of the xenophobic attacks that happen in our country.
“It also helps them know their identity in a world where the music they hear and movies they watch are American,” she concludes.