Zonkizizwe YCPD hosts schools talk
Two schools from the township, including Winile and Zonkizizwe Secondary schools, took part in this year’s event.
“Substance abuse, anti-vandalism and theft of public infrastructure” were the catch words as Zonkizizwe Youth Crime Prevention Desk (YCPD), in partnership with CPF, SAPS and Rand Water hosted the second instalment of the schools talk at the Zonkizizwe Community Hall on August 21.
Learners from both schools also showed their talent by competing in three categories including poem, public speaking and drama.
The communications officer at Zonkizizwe SAPS, Sgt Rufus Tema, said the purpose of the event was to address issues of substance abuse, vandalism and theft of public infrastructure.
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“The reason behind this is that public infrastructures get stolen by youth who are addicted to drugs. They sell these infrastructures to feed their addiction,” said Tema.
He said they felt a need to involve high school learners because they are in danger of doing drugs as they are at the stage of experimenting with everything.
Excited community members came to witness children from the community performing drama, reciting poems and delivering public speeches on the issues that affect the community.
Jacky Mbhele, a teacher from Winile Secondary School, which won the competition, said she is feeling good about the win adding that it has been hard to prepare for the event as learners are writing exams.
“They did everything on their own during their own spare time. We as teachers only supervised them,” said Mbhele.
She also said she would have been happier if parents of these children came to see them performing. “I am sure they would have been proud.”
W/O Joseph “Mshengu” Shabalala encouraged the community members to stay away from drugs as they are the source of most of the crimes in the community.
“Most people take drugs before they commit crimes. Even parents abuse their children after taking drugs,” said Shabalala.
He advised learners to use the knowledge they gained during the event to preach to other children in their respective schools about the dangers of drugs.
The winners of the different categories are as follows:
•Best drama performer award went to Douglas Phiri from Zonkizizwe Secondary School.
•Best public speaker award was taken by Busisiwe Ngema from Zonkizizwe Secondary School.
•Best poet award was taken home by Tshepo Ngubane from Winile Secondary School.
•Runner-up was Zonkizizwe Secondary School, while Winile Secondary School took home the award for being the best school on the day.
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