Ekurhuleni schools take part in Junior Commissioner leadership initiative

The Ekurhuleni District successfully hosted the Junior Commissioner 2026 competition at the Germiston SAPS Hall, bringing together learners from various high schools across the district.

The initiative aimed to empower young leaders by providing a platform to engage on key societal challenges, particularly school safety, and to propose solutions aligned with policing priorities.

Participants were tasked with addressing pressing issues affecting communities, with a specific focus on the role of the SAPS in improving safety within school environments.

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The competition also sought to appoint a youth leadership structure comprising the district junior commissioner, deputy district junior commissioner, district branch commander, district visible policing commander and district support commander.

Stakeholders from the Department of Education, Department of Correctional Services, Department of Community Safety, and the District Community Policing Forum (CPF) were present at the event.

Adjudicators were drawn from these institutions to ensure a fair and credible evaluation process.

The programme began with an opening prayer led by the SAPS chaplain, followed by a welcome address from the Ward 35 councillor, who encouraged learners and reflected on his own experience as a former Youth Desk chairperson.

Brigadier Nkuna, station commander of Thembisa SAPS, outlined the purpose of the initiative, emphasising the importance of youth participation in crime prevention and community safety.

The outgoing Junior Commissioner executive also delivered messages of encouragement to participants.

The keynote address was delivered by acting district commissioner Brigadier Ngoma, who highlighted the importance of youth leadership in building safer communities.

Following a competitive adjudication process, the 2026 Ekurhuleni District Junior Commissioner Executive was announced as follows:
• District junior commissioner: Mduduzi Mabena (Tsakane Buhlebemfundo Secondary School)
• Deputy district junior commissioner: Tami Mpala (Ivory Park Secondary School)
• District branch commander: Unathi Mdolomba (Devon Zikhethele Secondary School)
• District vispol commander: Asemahle Maseko (Vosloorus Comprehensive School)
• District support commander: Marvellous Phudumo (Springs Eastvale Secondary School)

The newly appointed executive committed to working with schools, communities and law enforcement agencies to address crime and promote safety across Ekurhuleni schools.

Acting district commissioner Brigadier David Ngcobo congratulated the learners and thanked participating schools and stakeholders.

He said initiatives of this nature provide valuable leadership exposure and allow learners to actively contribute to the SAPS vision of safer communities.