In response to a recent surge in violent incidents and unruly behavior within schools across Mpumalanga, School Governing Bodies (SGBs) are taking urgent measures to enhance school safety.

Colonel (retired) Rt Reverend Gicks Moyane, Mpumalanga Provincial Coordinator for Safer South Africa Foundation (SSAF), expressed concern over the spillover of criminal activity from communities into schools. “In some instances, especially in schools where discipline is lacking, learners themselves are perpetrators,” noted Rt Reverend Moyane.

These remarks were made following the graduation ceremony for 162 school learners from Lihau Secondary and Lowveld High Schools. The event marked the culmination of a weeks-long Criminal and Justice Programme (CJP) by SSAF, aimed at equipping learners with an understanding of the criminal justice system and strategies for avoiding trouble.

The impact of the CJP was particularly evident in addressing pressing issues within both schools. Lowveld High School, situated in an urban area, faces challenges such as drug and alcohol abuse, possession of weapons, gangsterism, and general indiscipline. As a result, only 34 learners completed the programme out of an initial enrolment of 111. Reverend Moyane affirmed plans to support the new management team at Lowveld High School in improving the school’s environment.

Lehawu Secondary School, located in the semi-rural area of Pienaar, also grapples with issues of gangsterism, bullying, drugs, and alcohol abuse. Despite these challenges, 128 learners successfully completed the CJP.

Bonakele Majuba, MEC for Education in Mpumalanga, expressed gratitude for SSAF’s leadership in addressing school safety concerns. “We have urged all schools to urgently establish safety committees,” stated MEC Majuba, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues that threaten the learning environment and the well-being of students and educators.

The CJP, involving over 41,000 learners nationwide, is a collaborative effort between the Safer South Africa Foundation and key stakeholders, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Human Rights Commission, the Department of Correctional Services, the Banking Association of South Africa, and traffic authorities.

Rt Reverend Moyane concluded by celebrating the achievements of the 162 learners who completed the Criminal and Justice Programme. “We now have that many more anti-crime ambassadors in Mpumalanga,” he remarked, highlighting the program’s contribution to fostering safer communities and empowering youth to combat crime.