POLOKWANE- A Programme by Safer South Africa Foundation (SSAF), led by former national police commissioner, Riah Phiyega, is bearing fruit in its aim to target schools to ensure a behavioural turn-around strategy when it comes to crime.
Three secondary schools in the Seshego circuit have, thanks to a partnership between the SSAF and the Education Department, recently participated in a platform for youths to interact face-to-face with law enforcement agencies to improve their perceptions on crime, safety and security.
In the last 12 days, 96 Gr 10-11 learners from Peter Nchabeleng Secondary School in zone 8 (Seshego) spent several days at the local magistrate’s court, witnessing the tough processes that suspected criminals undergo and had interactions with inmates at the Polokwane Correctional Centre, specifically juveniles and those serving life sentences.
This is all done in the hopes of changing the trajectory of the crimes faced in schools, Phiyega told BONUS.
Schools such as Khaiso, ME Makgato, and Dr A.M.S. Makunyane are surrounded by outlets selling liquor, and druglords that the community has protected for years and these factors hinder education, according to circuit manager, Gladys Kganyago.
“Schools compromise valuable lesson time especially on Monday mornings, due to a high absenteeism rate ascribed to liquor and drug use among learners. Principals and teachers also have to conduct search operations and make house visits to verify if learners who are absent have a good reason for being absent, or whether they are in fact, at home,” she added.
Echoing her sentiments, principal Mathews Mamabolo says this “tiring exercise” has been rewarding as the school has moved from being an underperformer to the most improved school in Limpopo, in the recent years.
“My life has been threatened countless times, but I am glad that this time the department is fighting our battles with state justice organs, including this programme. Things have changed for the better. In the past few days, we have not recorded any gang-related matters or the usual hard matters,” he added.
Last Thursday, SSAF hosted a celebration ceremony for learners at the Seshego Methodist Church, awarding them for attending the community and justice programme.
One of the participants, Faith Rakgoale (17) describes the experience as an eye-opener.
“It really knocked some sense into most of us when we met those juveniles who said they had been inside for a long time. They told us that, by the time they get out of prison, the newest cars and lifestyles would be unfamiliar to them as so much time would have passed.”
She said they also received career guidance.
“Now I think, I’d like to pursue law and become a prosecutor,” she told BONUS.
