Brakpan SAPS social crime prevention and communications officer Constable Audrey Buthelezi and SAPS Youth Crime Prevention Desk members hosted a Youth Day event on June 16, focused on promoting youth empowerment, breaking the cycle of crime, building community bonds, and providing opportunities to young people in Brakpan.

The event, which took place at Carnival City, was not just about celebrating Youth Day, but also about creating safer and more engaging communities where young people can thrive and contribute positively in society.

“Instead of celebrating Youth Day outdoors at a sporting event as we have done in previous years, the young minds were challenged with motivational speakers, sharing dreams, and were exposed to different careers,” said Buthelezi.

Motivational speakers included Mbali Motloung, a principal practitioner, director and founder of Mbali Wellness Concierge, Pastor Brian Mupaya, a mentor and inspirational speaker, Brianna Mupaya, a young author, entrepreneur, environmental activist and influencer, and Tumelo Buthelezi, a youth leader, community activist, founder and director of The Bold and Brave Youth Foundation, an advocate for positive social change.

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The programme was directed by Const Buthelezi and Warden Mpho Mogapi of the EMPD’s social crime prevention unit.

Drummond Doig of AfriForum, who is also a chaplain, spiritually motivated the young people and led the opening prayer at the event.

A young girl from the Mkhancwa informal settlement triggered emotions in the room when she stood up and said that she sees, listens and appreciated all that is being done for the youth, but the reality is that many youth are forced by their family backgrounds and dire poverty situations to end up doing drugs and committing crime.

“The motivational speakers responded by saying that is why stakeholders always do their best through outreach initiatives, awareness campaigns, and other interventions to expose the youth to opportunities that will bring positive changes in their lives,” said Buthelezi.

“Two of the motivational speakers were youth members and they highlighted that it is possible, and encouraged young people to participate and support one another to develop themselves within their communities.”

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Mogapi encouraged the youth to pledge and make a promise to themselves that they would be “the first” in their families and communities to bring positive change.

The young people shared their dreams, received information on different careers, danced, sang, and enjoyed food and refreshments.

Brakpan SAPS extends sincere gratitude towards everyone who assisted in making the day a success.

This includes Brakpan SAPS Youth Desk members, Doig, Empire Media, Carnival City management, Sazbar Roadhouse, JCJ Sweets, Graphite Security, Secure Tech Security, the CPF, Siyabangena Patrollers, Harcourts (Loretta Chiloane), Siyabonga Africa, Brianna Books, Spur Carnival City, the motivational speakers, EMPD social crime prevention unit members and Brakpan stakeholders.

“The event concluded with a prayer by Pastor Mupaya. All the youth who attended returned home safely, without any injuries or complaints,” added Buthelezi.