THE Safer South Africa Foundation (SSAF), in partnership with key criminal justice and education stakeholders, celebrated 142 learners from Sithokozile Secondary School in KwaDabeka on Friday (August 14) for completing an innovative social crime prevention programme.

The Communities and Justice Programme (CJP) is an experiential learning initiative designed to build safer school environments, promote moral leadership and reduce youth vulnerability to crime. The learners were officially inducted as Safety Ambassadors.

Retired Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni said: “What stood out most about today’s certificate award ceremony was hearing from proud parents, educators and the broader community. They were pleased about how classroom orderliness, improved academic performance and fewer disciplinary hearings are gradually becoming the norm. We congratulate these learners on sticking with it and completing the course. Their commitment will serve them well both now and into the future.”

Through this initiative, SSAF supported school management and educators by transforming learner attitudes, promoting peer accountability and embedding practical values of ethical leadership.

Nomalungelo Makhanya, a teacher at Sithokozile Secondary School, said the school has experienced a wonderful positive transformation thanks to the vital support.

Teachers generally don’t have the skills and time to address serious behavioural issues such as bullying, physical fights and students arriving under the influence.

“Since partnering with SSAF, learner conflicts and fighting have greatly decreased, creating a much calmer and safer learning environment. Furthermore, our student ambassadors are successfully passing these valuable lessons on to their peers, extending the positive impact across the entire school community,” she said.

Also read: Hillcrest High Angel Fund fundraiser a hit

Experiential learning in action

To bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-life consequences, the CJP delivered an immersive, multi-disciplinary curriculum facilitated by experienced officials from government departments and strategic partners.

Highlights of the programme included:

• Pinetown Magistrate’s Court visits: Learners observed live judicial proceedings and participated in a mock court exercise, gaining hands-on understanding of trial procedures, legal rights and the administration of justice.
• Westville Correctional Centre engagement: Learners interacted directly with correctional officers and inmates, gaining sobering, firsthand insights into the grim realities of incarceration, moral decision-making and the path to rehabilitation.
• Financial Literacy & Empowerment: Facilitated by First National Bank under the Banking Association SA, workshops equipped learners with foundational skills in money management, saving, and avoiding predatory financial pitfalls.

Additional participating partners included the Department of Basic Education, SAPS – KwaDabeka, Durban Metropolitan Police Service, National Prosecuting Authority and SA Human Rights Commission.

“Effective crime prevention begins long before an individual reaches the criminal justice system,” said SSAF CEO Riah Phiyega.

“By bringing police officers, prosecutors, judges, human rights officials, and financial experts into direct dialogue with learners, we strip away the glamorisation of crime. The learners have demonstrated that when given the knowledge, agency and support, young people will naturally choose the path of self-discipline, safety, and constructive leadership,” Phiyega added.

For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter here