MIDRAND - The Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry partnered with the Midrand police in bringing local schoolchildren into the world of art in a bid to educate them about abuse.
Glen Austin High School pupil, Benjamin Harris receives a prize for his artwork at the Midrand Police Station. With him are Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman, Ernest Mahlaule, Constable Matome Tlamela and Lieutenant Colonel Aubrey Madinginye.
The chamber sponsored gifts varying from tablets to R300 vouchers for winners of an art and essay competition that had the children exploring the subject of women and child abuse in South Africa.
Captain William Chauke from the Midrand Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offence Unit said that it was important to teach children about abuse and sexual violence in a manner that was appropriate for their age.
“Sometimes, even adults need to be taught about how to handle such cases,” said Chauke at the Midrand Police Station at the award ceremony for the children who had submitted their abuse-related artworks.
Ernest Mahlaule, chairman of the chamber, said they were honored to have been able to sponsor the children’s aspirations in this regard. Mahlaule said, “[We would like to] thank our partners Pinnacle Africa, Hlanganani ICT, Mustek Limited, the Axis group and Mace Promotions for their support.”
The day was not all praise and glory, though. The children also received a warning from the Department of Social Development’s Anna Motau, a representative from the probation unit. She said she dealt with children who were in contravention of the law.
“You are all very creative and energetic, use those qualities as you already have, in a good way,” Motau said.
“There are children who have now found themselves in trouble with the law.” She said their movements were restricted and they no longer enjoyed the same freedom as other children. She also warned against drug and alcohol abuse.
Constable Nanti Belebesi, social crime prevention officer Midrand Police Station, said the day had been an inspiring one, and that the quality of the art warranted being put up on a website. “We will also have an auction of the artworks in October,” she said.
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Magda de Wet from Glen Austin High School, proudly stands with her winning art piece. She is presented with a prize by Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman, Ernest Mahlaule, Constable Nanti Belebesi, Constable Matome Tlamela and Lieutenant Colonel Aubrey Madinginye.
Grade 2 pupil, Megan Hugo, receives her prize from Colonel Steven Moodley, station commander at the Midrand Police Sation and Constable Nanti Belebesi.
Glen Austin High School, Shallom Maposa, receives a prize for her artwork depicting the effects of abuse. Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman, Ernest Mahlaule, Constable Matome Tlamela and Lieutenant Colonel Aubrey Madinginye stand beside her.
Ernest Mahlule, Constable Matome Tlamela and Lieutenant Colonel Aubrey Madinginye present Sibusiso Twabi from Glen Austin High School with a prize for his artwork that depicts physical abuse.
Busizwe Dlamini receives her prize from Ernest Mahlaule, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Lieutenant Colonel Aubrey Madinginye.
Contable Nanti Belebesi, chairman of the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ernest Mahlaule, Lieutenant Colonel Aubrey Madinginye and Constable Matome Tlamela flank Halfway House Primary School pupil, Malibongwe Kunene, as he receives his prize.
Riversands Primary School pupil Kholofelo Maine, proudly displays her artwork. With her are Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman, Ernest Mahlaule, Constable Matome Tlamela and Lieutenant Colonel Aubrey Madinginye.
Princess Lubisi, receives her prize from Ernest Mahlaule, Constable Nanti Belebesi, Constable Matome Tlamela and Lietenant Colonel Aubrey Madinginye at the Midrand Police Station.
Titame Mwale, from Midrand High School, proudly receives her prize from Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman, Ernest Mahlaule, Constable Matome Tlamela and Lieutenant Colonel Aubrey Madinginye.
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