Gauteng SAPS aims to combat bullying in schools through chess
The Gauteng SAPS and various stakeholders visited schools to address social ills and donated chess boards and sports gear during their visit to Phumula Gardens Secondary School.
The Gauteng Provincial SAPS recently launched a drive dubbed the Provincial Commissioner’s Initiative to tackle bullying and poor social behaviour at schools in the province.
Led by Gauteng provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, the team visited Phumula Gardens Secondary School on August 11.
Mawela said the initiative sought to introduce chess at schools because most schools did not play it, despite the benefits that came with it.
He said chess calms your nerves and made you calculate your move before you acted, and if learners put that practice into their lives, they would think before acting.
“We introduce such things so learners can resolve conflict without using violence or fighting among themselves. In a conflict situation, you can stop to reflect and think before you act,” said Mawela.
He said the stakeholders had targeted 13 problematic schools this year.
Other sponsors and stakeholders present included Ward 41 Clr Sanele Hlongwane, the Alberton CPF, CPS Security, Boksburg Correctional Services and Sanlam.
They also donated other sports equipment like soccer and netball kits and balls and medals.
The provincial executive of Sanlam, Lawrence Gabela, said parents had a role to play in how they raised their children and should never use poverty as an excuse.
He said his message to parents spoke to discipline because if the learners were disciplined, their chances of succeeding were better, irrespective of whether the parents had money or not.
“But to achieve this, parents must prepare their children and tell them that honesty and integrity are key. Parents must encourage the child to study and not misbehave or steal,” said Gabela.
Hlongwane said they conducted the school visits because it was not a box-ticking project.
He said they wanted to implement programmes speaking to the learners’ behaviour at school.
“I think the learners’ behaviour can change if they get more sports facilities to play games that can keep them active,” noted Hlongwane.
Speaking to sponsors, English teacher Khethiwe Radebe said their willingness to invest in the school’s security and infrastructure had not gone unnoticed.
“I express our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation. Your thoughtful contribution has already significantly impacted our school, and we are thankful for your support,” she said.
“It is a testament to your commitment to the well-being and growth of our learners. Your donation allowed us to enhance the learning environment and create a safer space for our learners to thrive,” Radebe concluded.
