Police in Randfontein continued its community outreach efforts recently by hosting a school safety programme together with a voter education and registration drive at Ithuteng Secondary School in Brandvlei.

The initiative aimed to empower young people by bringing police officials and various stakeholders together to engage directly with learners on issues affecting their safety, well-being, and future participation in democracy. The programme forms part of ongoing efforts to create safer school environments while also encouraging civic responsibility among the youth.

Learners educated on safety issues

During the session, learners received information on important safety-related topics, including bullying, substance abuse, crime prevention, sexual health and the importance of reporting suspicious activities. Constable Tshepo Matlapane highlighted the important role learners play in maintaining a safe school environment and encouraged them to work closely with authorities in the fight against crime.

In addition to the school safety awareness campaign, the programme also focused on voter education. Learners were encouraged to register to vote and to actively participate in future elections, with organisers stressing the importance of young people making their voices heard in democratic processes.

Focus placed on civic responsibility

The initiative forms part of broader campaigns across Gauteng aimed at improving youth safety and increasing voter participation, particularly among first-time voters. These campaigns seek to address voter apathy while ensuring young people are informed and represented in democratic decision-making.

Learners welcomed the programme and described it as both educational and empowering. Grade 12 learner Onkarabile Molefi said the event taught him valuable life lessons.

“There were a lot of life lessons I learnt from today’s event, and I would like to thank the organisers for thinking of us as young people in Brandvlei,” he said.

One of the organisers, Sergeant Portia Mabala, expressed satisfaction with the turnout and level of participation from learners.

“The learners responded positively to the event. They interacted with the various stakeholders and asked many questions, which showed how engaged they were,” she said.

Sergeant Mabala also thanked the police, the Premier’s office, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), the Community Policing Forum (CPF), Khethekile NPO, Rotanganedza Community Care NPO, TSM Outreach from Randfontein and the Department of Health for their involvement and support.

The collaboration between police and civic organisations highlighted the importance of partnerships in building safer communities and nurturing responsible, informed citizens.

Randfontein police reaffirmed its commitment to continuing similar outreach programmes at schools across the region to ensure that learners are not only protected, but also equipped to play an active role in shaping the country’s future.