Various stakeholders visited Anzac Primary School on February 23 as part of collaborative and ongoing efforts by local police to create safe learning environments at all schools within the Brakpan area.

Brakpan SAPS Sector 1 manager and communications officer Constable Audrey Buthelezi was joined by representatives from the National Prosecuting Authority, Department of Social Development, Department of Health, Ekurhuleni Women’s Directorate, non-profit organisations – Village of Hope and Uyasiphumelelisa – the CPF, and Siyabangena patrollers.

Buthelezi told the Brakpan Herald the learners were divided into two groups and alternated in attending sessions in the school hall, where stakeholders engaged with them.

The first group comprised learners in grades four to seven, while the second group consisted of learners in grades R to three.

“More than 600 learners were engaged in the presence of their educators. The stakeholders each had a topic to address, which included issues such as bullying, sexual, physical, and mental abuse, drugs, general behaviour, love, and affirmations,” said Buthelezi.

The programmes are ongoing and include searches and regular interventions at local schools.

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