Brakpan police hosted a meeting on September 7, attended by station commander Brigadier Johanna Ngoma, Vispol commander Colonel Robert Makopo, CPF interim chairperson Simon Mabuse, representatives from the Gauteng Department of Education Ekurhuleni East District, school principals, school safety officers, and the Pathfinders Outreach Committee in the police station’s boardroom.

The meeting was initiated and steered by Brakpan SAPS social crime prevention and communications officer Constable Audrey Buthelezi.

The objective of the meeting was to propose the formation of an anti-bullying campaign programme that will include parade drills and flag-raising in schools within the Brakpan area.

“The incorporation of drills and flag-raising can enhance awareness, foster discipline, and build a culture of respect and empathy among learners,” said Buthelezi.

“Flag-raising will encourage unity and respect among learners, while drills can encourage learners to work together and support one another.

“Drills also build self-discipline and confidence, and a ceremonial event such as flag-raising can also provide a platform for learners to publicly commit to anti-bullying values, strengthening their sense of responsibility and accountability.”

The attendees all concurred that as much as the stakeholders can positively respond to the anti-bullying campaign proposal, the parents of the learners are a vital component in this regard.

Stakeholders cited that the project will bear no fruit if schools teach learners positivity, but when they get home, they are subjected to negativity.

“Parents getting involved in anti-bullying campaign programmes is vital because it bridges the communication gap between home and school,” said Buthelezi.

ALSO CHECK: Cupcakes of Hope warrior beats brain cancer

“By parents getting involved, it betters reporting because the school cannot fix what they do not know. Parents can further support school messages about bullying at home.”

The proposed anti-bullying campaign that incorporates parade drills and flag-raising will raise awareness and educate learners, educators, and parents about different forms of bullying, including cyber, verbal, physical, and social bullying.

Flag-raising can serve as a constant reminder of the campaign’s objective, whereas drilling exercises can teach teamwork, focus, and collective responsibility, which directly supports anti-bullying principles by promoting co-operating mutual respect.

“The inclusion of these symbolic activities, drill and flag-raising, will instill a sense of community and shared values, symbolising unity and respect, and encourage teamwork and support,” said Buthelezi.

“The anti-bullying campaign will empower learners to become upstanders and not bystanders, and drills can build self-discipline and confidence.”

The campaign that combines education with structured, participatory activities helps students develop resilience, coping skills, and social-emotional awareness.

The anti-bullying campaign will further strengthen school culture and community engagements. This can help create a school-wide ethos that discourages bullying and promotes inclusivity.

The attendees raised concerns and provided positive feedback to the proposed anti-bullying campaign programme.

ALSO CHECK: Brakpan SPCA warns public against scammers impersonating local society

The schools were tasked to schedule parents’ meetings and invite SAPS for the presentation of the anti-bullying campaign programme.

The SAPS collaborates with schools and relevant stakeholders to create a safer environment for learners and educators and to address the critical issue of bullying in schools.

This collaboration aims to raise awareness about safety, respect, and unity within the schools.

“By working together, police officers, educators, parents, and learners can create a network of support that fosters resilience and protection,” added Buthelezi.