Thembisa activist launches school safety programme for learners

Community activist and education stakeholder Develd Monyai has launched the Walk and Talk Schools Safety Programme, an initiative aimed at protecting learners who walk to school along busy and often dangerous roads in Thembisa.

Monyai, who serves as the chairperson of the Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign (QLTC) Circuit 3 and as a School Governing Body (SGB) member at Kanana Primary School, said the programme was driven by concern over the safety of young children crossing roads unattended during peak traffic hours.

The initiative sees Monyai positioned along school routes in the mornings and afternoons, assisting learners as they cross safely.

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“I couldn’t sit and wait for a funeral to happen. So every morning and afternoon, I stand with learners and help them cross safely,” he said.

He said speeding vehicles and motorists using pavements during school rush hours place children at constant risk, where even a single mistake could be fatal.

Monyai added that the Walk and Talk programme aligns with the QLTC’s commitment to learner safety and its non-compromising stance on protecting teaching and learning environments.

“I have been operating at Kanana Primary School, where I serve as an SGB member. I also served as the SGB Chairperson for the past three years. I assist learners from Kanana Primary and surrounding schools to cross safely in the mornings,” he said.

He said the initiative has received strong community support, with some parents donating reflector vests and whistles to improve visibility.

“Generally, the community is in support of the initiative. Every time I am on the road, community members stop and encourage me. That tells me people are tired of risking children’s lives and want to help,” said Monyai.

He added that his involvement in school governance strengthened his commitment to learner safety beyond the classroom.

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“My strength comes from the children’s smiles when they cross safely and from parents who say, ‘Thank you for walking with my child’. Once you serve on an SGB, you understand that policy means nothing if a child does not make it home,” he said.

One of the main challenges he faces is visibility, as he currently lacks sufficient reflector vests and safety equipment, such as whistles, which are essential for alerting motorists.

Monyai said his long-term vision is to make all school routes safe and to expand the programme by training School Safety Ambassadors who can continue the work in different areas.

“I wish to see every school route safe and every learner protected. Walk and Talk is uniting the community, parents, drivers, teachers and learners – because child safety is not one person’s job,” he said.

The programme is still awaiting formal recognition from the Department of Education in the Johannesburg East District, after which it is expected to be expanded to more schools within Circuit 3.
“The goal is simple: no child gets knocked down on my watch,” he said.