Local learners warned against crime

With an effort to accustom local learners with the importance of living a crime free life, Safer South Africa Foundation (SSAF) in collaboration with the Clinix Health Group awarded learners who took part in their programme on August 10.

The Communities and Justice Programme (CJP) award ceremony which took place at Fidelitas Secondary School also featured learners from Fons Luminus Secondary School, making it a total of 110 learners who took part in the programme.

Working closely with other law enforcement agencies such as the police and Prisons Civil Rights Union , SSAF was able to provide learners with invaluable insights into the criminal justice system, constitutional education, financial education, and mental health education through the completion of their programme.

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The SSAF Gauteng provincial coordinator, Edna Mamonyane known to the learners as Gogo said the initiative has empowered learners across the province to engage directly with law enforcement officials as they guide them through the various stages of the Criminal Justice Value Chain.

They have the privilege to interact with distinguished representatives from the SAPS, JMPD, NPA as well as the Department of Correctional Services.

As one of SSAF representatives who work closely with the learners, Mamonyane noted that they have also recognised socioeconomic difficulties that some of learners face which may also affect their behaviour and academic performance.

“The learners that we work with are selected by the schools. Some of them come from child-headed families, are underprivileged or are raised by single parents, which makes it easier for them to fall victims of peer pressure which may later result to them falling victims of mental health related issues or crime,” Mamonyane said.

A highlight of the programme was the experiential learning component, where students had the opportunity to visit Booysen Magistrate Court.

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Here, they observed the inner workings of a court system and gained insights into legal proceedings and also visited the Johannesburg Correctional Centre,
known as Sun City, where they witnessed the realities of inmate life and engaged directly with incarcerated individuals.

SSAF CEO, General Riah Phiyega said since its inception in Gauteng, the programme has successfully reached more than 28 schools, benefiting over 1400 learners.

“SSAF and Clinix Health Group are proud of this transformational initiative, fostering a culture of understanding, cooperation and informed decision-making among the youth of South Africa.

“By facilitating constructive interactions between learners and law enforcement, CJP contributes to a safer and more just society,” Phiyega said.

Learners were rewarded with certificates and SSAF T-shirt which marks them as ambassadors for a safer South Africa. Selected learners from the two schools with the winning essays will have the opportunity to further enhance their skills and knowledge through the Youth4SaferSouthAfrica Debate and Leadership Development Programme in 2024.

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The programme will provide them with training in public speaking and debating, empowering them to become effective communicators and inspiring leaders.

One of the learns, Tshepiso Mabalane from Fedelitas Secondary School expressed heartfelt gratitude to stakeholders who made the day a success.

“We are grateful for being some of the learners who were part of this initiative aimed at keeping us aware about our justice system and reminding us that a life of crime does not pay.

“As ambassadors of SSADF we will go out and inform others,” Mabalane said.