152 learners become safety ambassadors in Ngodini

Emthonjeni Secondary School learners have stepped into active roles as safety ambassadors after completing an intensive 11-session social crime prevention initiative.

The learners were recognised on August 20 at the Safer South Africa Foundation’s Communities and Justice Programme Award Ceremony, held at the Assemblies of God in Ngodini. The ceremony marked the completion of the foundation’s flagship social crime prevention programme, bringing together learners, educators, parents, government representatives and strategic partners united by a commitment to building safer communities.

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The programme started at Emthonjeni Secondary School on May 12. Over 11 structured learning sessions, the 152 learners explored the criminal justice value chain and gained practical knowledge about crime prevention, constitutional and human rights, responsible citizenship, ethical leadership, financial literacy and the roles played by various institutions within the justice system.

Learners visit court and correctional centre

The programme extended beyond classroom-based learning. At the Mbombela High Court, learners observed live court proceedings and participated in a mock court exercise, giving them first-hand exposure to the workings of the justice system.

At Barberton Correctional Centre, they engaged with correctional officials and inmates, confronting the consequences of criminal behaviour while also learning about rehabilitation.

Financial literacy was another important component. Nedbank facilitated sessions covering saving, responsible money management and informed financial decision-making, equipping learners with practical skills aimed at strengthening their independence and resilience.

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Youth choose prevention over prosecution

Speaking at the ceremony, Safer South Africa Foundation chief executive officer General Riah Phiyega said the learners had chosen to become part of the solution.

“Every one of these 152 young people represents a choice for prevention over prosecution, courage over silence and leadership over helplessness,” said Phiyega. “They are not graduating from a once-off awareness campaign; they are stepping into an active role as Safety Ambassadors. When young people understand their rights, the consequences of crime and the institutions available to protect them, they become powerful partners in changing the trajectory of their schools and communities.”

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Emthonjeni Secondary School principal Dumisani Mabuza said the programme made a noticeable difference to the learners.

“We have watched these learners grow in confidence, knowledge and sense of responsibility to others,” said Mabuza. “They now understand that a safer school is not something delivered to them; it is something they can help build through the choices they make, the behaviour they model and the courage to speak up when something is wrong. As a school community, we are immensely proud of the 152 learners who completed the programme, and we will support them as they put what they have learned into action.”