Skills development programmes highlighted in crime prevention drive
A community awareness campaign has highlighted free skills development programmes aimed at improving employability and reducing crime.
An awareness campaign highlighting free skills development opportunities took centre stage in Brakpan when local SAPS social crime prevention and communications officer Constable Audrey Buthelezi, and the Youth Crime Prevention Desk, joined forces with Siyabonga Africa and other stakeholders to engage the community on April 24.
The collaboration aimed to raise awareness of the services offered by Siyabonga Africa, a Brakpan NPO which provides free skills development programmes including farming, welding, fashion design, baking, and other vocational training opportunities.
The initiative brought together EMPD Social Crime Prevention Unit members, the CPF, non-profit organisations Village of Hope and Uyasiphumelelisa, and representatives from the Department of Health, and the Brakpan Clinic.
“The SAPS encourages the public to register for skills development programs offered by Siyabonga Africa as these programmes play a crucial role in enhancing employability and personal growth,” said Buthelezi.
“Community members can acquire the necessary skills to succeed in the job market and contribute meaningfully to society.
“Furthermore, because these programmes target marginalised communities, they foster economic participation and improve living standards, and so, strengthen social cohesion.”
In addition, SAPS noted that skills development initiatives form part of broader crime prevention strategies, as they can help reduce reoffending and lower overall crime levels in communities.
“Skills development programmes can lead to fewer arrests, it is used as a crime reduction strategy. Reducing crime is not only beneficial for people in the present, but it is also an investment in the future lives of members within the community,” continued Buthelezi.
“People with prior criminal records who participate in the skills development programmes reduce the likelihood of being rearrested.
“These programmes will definitely reduce the overall crime levels in the community.”
The police urged residents to take advantage of the free programmes available, stressing that crime prevention is a shared responsibility that requires active community participation.
Siyabonga Africa is located at 30A Muriel Brand Street and may be contacted on 011 744 4350.
