By OBAKENG MAJE
Learners from various schools were part of the Junior Commissioner Project, which envisages advancing and promoting the safety of learners and educators in schools. The glaring event was hosted by the Office of the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, at the Piet Thole Community Hall in Rosedale on Saturday.
The event was attended by executives and senior officials from all relevant entities.
According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers, the Junior Commissioners will play an active role in initiating education and awareness campaigns on issues that affect the safety of learners. Ehlers said as the police, they will use community outreach programmes as platforms to mobilise and educate the youth about the dangers of involvement in criminal activities.
“Extramural and recreational activities will be initiated by the young leaders, where young people can demonstrate various talents and capabilities. The focus is on ensuring the development, nurturing of leadership skills and capabilities of all learners.
“This will ensure that we provide guidance and mentorship initiatives to prepare them for future leadership endeavours and transforming into progressive and responsible citizens. Four learners per district, were subjected to an intensive induction programme that provided knowledge and information about the police,” she said.
Ehlers further said they were coached by Constable Zamile Mgwevu, in preparation for the delivery of prepared speeches to showcase their knowledge and potential as young leaders. She added that these learners expressed their views on social ills experienced by the youth and how they can be remedied.
“The top 10 learners were announced and granted the opportunity to deliver unprepared speeches. The winners were announced after the vigorous scrutiny of a panel of adjudicators. Simone van Rooyen from the Frances Baard District, was appointed as the Junior Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Corporate Services.
“Ealroe Taddese from the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, was appointed as the Junior Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Onkarabile Kgomonyane from the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, was appointed as the Junior Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, while Oragolele Kuriti from the Frances Baard District was appointed as the Junior Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape,” said Ehlers.
She said maximum participation of young people in the fight against crime in their learning environment was emphasized. Ehlers also said the collaboration between the youth and police, will ensure that they see more South African schools safe and conducive to learning.
“Bullying is rife in schools and must be eradicated. No learner must be prevented from attending school,” she said.
In her keynote address, the Northern Cape MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Sylvia Bloem, said they are in an era of hope. Bloem said it is inspiring that the youth is taking responsibility for their wellbeing.
“Youth involvement in crime remains a concern. Substance abuse exposes them to become perpetrators or victims of crime.
So, we encourage young leaders to lead by example and have the courage to say ‘No’.
“Everyone is a leader, irrespective of whether they were chosen or not. All participants will still be afforded the opportunity to partake in Safer School Programmes, CPF and Youth Against Crime initiatives,” she said.
The Guardian 