A recent imbizo at the AlexSan Kopano Resources Centre brought together learners, educators, parolees, and community safety representatives in an effort to confront the challenges facing young people in Alexandra on February 20.

The gathering, organised by Randburg Community Corrections, was less about punishment and more about prevention, and it served as a reminder of what the Community Policing Forum (CPF) and police have long emphasised: that safeguarding the future of learners in Alexandra requires the involvement of the entire community.

Read more: Multilingualism in the spotlight at this year’s Indigenous Language Imbizo

It highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing violence and indiscipline among learners in high schools plagued by youth-on-youth violence. Representatives from the CPF and local police joined forces with educators to stress that schools cannot tackle these issues alone.

Parolees who have been reintegrated into society spoke openly about their pasts. One woman, who had been convicted of murder, shared how losing her mother at a young age and growing up without guidance led her into destructive relationships with drug dealers and eventually into crime. “Drugs, teenage pregnancy, misbehaving, these three usually end with you dead or in jail,” she warned. Drawing from her own experiences, she urged learners to avoid destructive choices.

“Today, I came here to reprimand delinquent learners as a mom and aspiring teacher. Many things are happening, and it is imperative to show learners the right path, so they don’t fall into the pitfalls we fell into.”

Also read: Police minister Bheki Cele held a ministerial crime imbizo in Alex

Alexandra Police Station’s Visible Policing commander, Jerry Phaswana, told learners to think carefully about their actions. He reminded them that fights, bullying, and drugs may seem small now, but can lead to criminal records that damage their futures. He stressed that learners still have time to make better choices.

“You are still young and have an opportunity to do something about your life. Whatever you are doing now, these fights and bullying at Minerva and Alex High will not take you anywhere,” he cautioned, further urging learners to stay away from drugs.

Meanwhile, the CPF said that such imbizos should happen more often. CPF spokesperson Chris Mabunda explained that hearing real-life experiences from parolees could make a stronger impact than warnings alone, especially in a community where violence and drug use among youth remained pressing concerns.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!