Pick your friends right, Pretoria West learners told
His speech was part of the Pretoria West SAPS and relevant partners’ school outreach initiative, which visited Elmar College and Pretoria West High.
“Pick your friends in life right,” an ex-con told learners in the west of Pretoria at a motivational speech this week.
Lebogang Manamela from LMF, an ex-con that turned his life around, is now a rising motivational speaker.
His speech was part of the Pretoria West SAPS and relevant partners’ school outreach initiative, which visited Elmar College and Pretoria West High.
Manamela spoke to the youth on the importance of taking school seriously and refraining from making the same mistakes that he did.
Further topics included crime/issues affecting schools in the area such as theft, bullying, fighting, and possession of drugs or weapons.
The purpose of the visit was to educate learners on the social ills affecting their community including gender-based violence (GBV), substance abuse and bullying.
Partners included the African Leadership Movement (ALM, NPO), Lebogang Manamela Foundation (LMF, motivational speaker/NPO), Youth for Survival (NPO), Leonora Transformation Legacy (Pty), and members of the station’s youth desk committee and deputy chairperson of CPF, head of social crime captain Caroline Kopa.
On August 23, youths gathered at the schools were treated to presentations.
Pamphlets made by the social crime prevention unit with the relevant information were handed out to the learners.
Learners were also encouraged to report any form of abuse inflicted upon them or witnessed to the nearest police station. They were assured that the staff on hand would be able to help them no matter how sensitive the matter.
Pretoria West SAPS communication officer Constable Sibongile Vuma said, “Learners are furthermore advised to visit our victim empowerment offices at all stations for such sensitive cases to freely open a case privately without being judged”.
Other speakers included Clement Chauke (ALM president), Leogang Kgasago (health and wellness coach), and Tumi Kutumela (author).
Kutumela educated the learners on different self-help techniques and the importance of staying motivated through school.
Singer Refentse Mabaso and comedian/entertainer “Multi B” closed off the proceedings with engaging performances.
Learners were wished the best of luck with the remainder of their studies and upcoming exams.
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