FORTY-TWO Hlamvana Secondary pupils were awarded certificates last week by the Safer South Africa Foundation (SSAF) for advocating safety within their school premises.
The pupils recently joined hands with SSAF after a pupil was stabbed to death at the school last year.
To assist in lowering the crime rate at the school, Hlamvana teacher Joseph Hlekwayo appealed for assistance from SSAF to launch a pilot safety project.
‘SSAF adopted our school as a pilot study to test whether exposing scholars to the schools’ safety programme would work.
‘I then picked 42 boys and girls from Grades 9 to 12, exposing them to the country’s criminal justice system.
‘SSAF invited law enforcement officers to speak to our pupils. They were then taken on a visit to the Qalakabusha Correctional Facility and we also undertook visits to the eSikhaleni Magistrate’s Court so they could see for themselves what happens to criminals in court,’ Hlekwayo said.
Addressing the pupils, parents and teachers, uMhlathuze Mayor Mduduzi Mhlongo said it is critical for the eSikhaleni community to ensure their children grow up as responsible citizens.
‘We appeal to you to remember the many people who died for the democracy you are enjoying today, which many of you now take for granted.
‘All we ask of you is to focus on your education and pass with good grades,’ Mhlongo said.
Passing her gratitude to SSAF’s Chairperson, Advocate T Thipanyane, school Principal N Mpungose said there has been a huge change among Hlamvana pupils.
‘Since joining the programme, our school has become peaceful and safe. Our scholars are now focused on their studies.
‘I’m grateful to SAPS and other law enforcement agents within uMhlathuze for exposing our pupils to what happens in police stations, at courts and in prisons.’
