A total of 120 Mthombo Secondary School learners participated in a Communities and Justice Programme, run by the Safer South Africa Foundation.

The programme is a social crime-prevention initiative designed to unpack the criminal justice value chain and build safer school communities.

The learners attended theoretical classroom sessions, complemented by practical and experiential activities.

They also went on excursions to the Pienaar Police Station holding cells, the Barberton Correctional Centre, and the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court, gaining first-hand insight into the justice system, law enforcement, corrections and crime prevention.

Participants awarded certificates of achievement during a ceremony held at The Alliance Church of South Africa in Newscom on Friday, February 20.

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One participant, Mitchell Magagula, described the programme as an eye-opener. “Most of us thought we could survive jail, but seeing hardcore criminals face-to-face as we walked the corridors of the correctional facility was nothing like how it is portrayed on TV. We appreciate the time and effort the foundation invested to provide us with an education that goes beyond our daily classes,” she said.

The CEO of the Safer South Africa Foundation and former national police commissioner, Riah Phiyega, motivated the youngsters to protect their futures by avoiding crime.

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“It takes a village to raise a child, and we are that village. We aim to ensure that these youngsters make something of themselves. No child is born a criminal; we must guide them toward good behaviour and positive choices,” said Phiyega.

The programme was conducted under the guidance of the Safer South Africa Foundation co-ordinator for Mpumalanga, Bishop Gicks Moyane.