As the new school year began, SAPS Junior Commissioners Yolani Ngomane, Nomcebo Khoza, Nobuhle Tshabalala, and Bokang Serobatse visited several high schools in Johannesburg South to host Grade Eight orientation talks.

The visits from Mondeor SAPS social crime prevention coordinators and the sector manager formed part of the SAPS School Safety Programme.

The orientation talks took place at Mondeor High School, Trinityhouse Glenvista, Glenvista High School, and Kibler Park Secondary School.

The programme aims to prepare Grade Eight learners for the realities of high school and to help them adjust positively to their new environment.

The goal of the school visits was to prevent future social and disciplinary problems by empowering learners with knowledge, awareness, and life skills before being exposed to the pressures of high school life.

Key topics discussed included peer pressure, teenage pregnancy, gangsterism, and substance abuse. By addressing these issues early, the junior commissioners sought to help learners make informed decisions, resist negative influences, and know when and where to seek help.

All about trust
The junior commissioners said the programme was also about building trust. They explained that learners needed to know they are not alone and that support systems are available to them. They stressed that promoting responsibility, safety, and positive choices among young people remains a priority.

The outreach programme started on January 12 at Kibler Park Secondary School. On January 13, the team visited Trinityhouse Glenvista and Glenvista High School.

The last session was on January 14 at Mondeor High School, where the team encouraged learners to speak openly about the challenges they may face during their high school years.

During the sessions, the junior commissioners addressed the risks linked to peer pressure, teenage pregnancy, gangsterism, and substance abuse. They explained how these challenges can affect learners’ futures if not handled carefully.

The commissioners also introduced solution-based programmes designed to support, guide and protect learners. The commissioners reassured learners that they could be approached them for guidance, support, and positive development as they begin their high school journey.

Vital to address issues
Mondeor SAPS Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Elizabeth Mnguni praised the junior commissioners for their work in the community.

She said it is vital to address issues that affect high schools and teenagers, adding that early guidance can help prevent serious problems later on.

She expressed hope that the orientation programme would contribute to safer schools and stronger communities, highlighting that these young learners are the future.

Mnguni also shared that Mondeor SAPS will continue to support the junior commissioners in their efforts to promote responsibility, safety, and positive lifestyle choices among learners. According to Mnguni, the orientation talks yielded positive results.

At Kibler Park Secondary School, the team reached 100 learners and 120 parents. Glenvista High School recorded participation from 95 learners and 85 parents, while at Trinityhouse Glenvista, they reached 110 learners and 150 parents.

At Mondeor High School, the programme reached 250 learners. The high turnout reflected the importance of the initiative and the support from school communities in Johannesburg south.

To the future
Looking ahead, the junior commissioners have planned several projects. These include Fill a Heart, a fundraising campaign where schools will contribute funds to provide sanitary pads, books, food parcels, and other essential items to learners in need.

They also plan to run Don’t Trap It, But Speak It, a peer counselling programme that encourages vulnerable learners to talk about their challenges in a safe and supportive environment.

In addition, the junior commissioners will operate a peer-to-peer support hotline, allowing learners to reach out for guidance and emotional support.

Mentorship and behavioural development programmes will support these initiatives, aimed at building confidence, shaping positive attitudes, and guiding learners towards responsible decision-making.