By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
Gang fighting, drinking alcohol and using drugs inside school premises, are some of the concerns raised by learners from three secondary schools(Kamhola, Ngwane and Emjindini) who attended an event led by the Deputy Minister of Police, Cassel Mathale, in partnership with the Mpumalanga Acting Provincial Police Commisioner, Major-General(Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, in Barberton.
Mpumalanga spokesperson for the DCSSL(Department of Community Safety, Secuirty and Liaison), Moeti Mmusi, said the Deputy Minister conducted a series of activities aimed at enhancing public safety, fostering community partnerships, and empowering learners with career opportunities in law enforcement.
According to Mmusi, the programme highlighted the importance of creating a crime-free environment for learning and teaching.
“ The initiative seeks to strengthen crime prevention efforts, promote safer learning environments, and expose learners to career paths within SAPS(South African Police Service), and reinforcing the role of law enforcement in community development,” said Mmusi.
In his response to the pertinent concerns raised by learners during the event, Deputy Minister Mathale told the learners that they must focus on their studies as a way to enjoy opportunities in the future.
“ Schools are places of learning. It is not a place to come because you do not have anything to do. You are here to learn. Your future is in your hands,” said Mathale.
The Deputy Minister of Social Development, Gatief Hendricks, said Grade 12 learners who are beneficiaries of Child Support Grants automatically qualify for bursaries if they perform well and they are accepted at tertiary institutions.
The Deputy Minsiter and his entourage MER with local community members who raised their concerns about crime-related matters.
