A powerful youth-driven initiative took place in Mohlakeng last week, as Constable Kagoencha Kwezi of the Mohlakeng Police Station hosted a Peer-To-Peer engagement event aimed at empowering young people.

Kwezi’s message to the learners, from various schools, was clear: Become active agents of change in their communities.

The event was held in collaboration with participants from the Junior Commissioner Programme, who were recently selected as young leaders in the district.

The gathering provided a safe and interactive platform for learners to engage in critical issues affecting young people, including crime prevention, peer pressure, substance abuse, and the importance of making responsible life choices.

Through open dialogue and shared experiences, learners were encouraged to support one another and become positive influences among their peers.

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She emphasised the importance of youth involvement in community safety, noting that crime prevention begins with informed and responsible individuals.

“Young people have the power to influence each other in ways adults sometimes cannot. This platform allows them to speak freely and learn from one another,” she said.

The event also included a donation drive aimed at supporting the Ketex Foundation, which facilitates holiday camps for learners and provides tutoring support ahead of exams.

“We donated 21 camping tents to the foundation to encourage them and thank them for the valuable work they do with learners.”

Members of the Junior Commissioner Programme played an active role in facilitating discussions and encouraging fellow learners to take leadership in addressing challenges within their schools and communities.

The Junior Commissioners representing the district were:

• Queen Chau (Thuto Lehakwe Secondary School)
• Ayanda Yawa (Lukhanyo High School)
• Sama Kraqa (Randfontein Secondary School)
• Thato Kgaje (AB Phokompe Secondary School)
• Acaceo Chamo (Phahama Secondary School)
• Nolubabalo Funeka (Phahama Secondary School)

As the session concluded, Sama’s parent, Goodman Kraqa, praised the initiative.

“Our children are uplifted by attending educational initiatives such as this. We need more of these peer awareness campaigns in our communities,” he said.

The Peer-To-Peer event reflects the commitment of Kwezi and the Mohlakeng police to invest in the future of the community, one conversation at a time.

Kwezi also extended gratitude to the following stakeholders for their contributions:

• Malungelo Foundation – camping tents
• Randfontein Taxi Association – camping tents and transport for learners and stakeholders
• KagoYaRona Foundation – camping tents
• Junior Commissioners – camping tents
• Tholulwazi Phakathi – cakes and camping tents
• Butterfield – rolls/ buns
• Sinawe – food for learners
• Code Ministries – breakfast refreshments, meals for adults, and toiletries
• A Re Bueng – sanitary pads and water
• Proud Fathers – sound system and chair covers
• Lerato Leew – programmes and certificates
• Argyle Shabalala (Beracah House of Worship) – camping tent
• Diale Funeral Parlour – water for the day