Two junior commissioners from Mondeor SAPS have been selected for leadership positions at the Johannesburg District level after taking part in the Junior Commissioner competition held at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto Campus.

Bokang Serobatse from Trinityhouse Glenvista was selected as the Johannesburg District junior support head commander. Nomcebo Khoza from Elethu Themba High School was selected as the Johannesburg District Vispol junior commander.

The successful competition brought together learners from more than 65 schools across Johannesburg, along with social crime prevention coordinators, educators and key stakeholders committed to preventing crime and violence in schools.

Representatives from the CPF, the JMPD, the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, the Gauteng Department of Basic Education and the Department of Correctional Services and Constitutional Development also attended and assisted with the adjudication process.

The Junior Commissioner Project is an SAPS initiative aimed at implementing a multidisciplinary approach to preventing crime and violence in schools. It allows learners to take an active role in addressing antisocial behaviour and criminality in their school communities.

The competition began with a public speaking segment, where learners identified challenges facing pupils and suggested practical solutions they would introduce if appointed to leadership positions.

The top five learners were selected for the positions of District Commissioner, Deputy District Commissioner, Detective Commander, Vispol Commander and Support Head.

For Bokang, reaching district level was an unexpected but inspiring achievement. “Honestly, I did not think I would make it this far. We started at station level, so progressing to district level was truly amazing,” she said.

“It was inspiring because it made me realise that I can do more and turn my ideas into action. At district level, you meet people from different areas, including Pretoria and Ekurhuleni, and you get to hear different perspectives. It was a great learning experience.”

Nomcebo said being selected was both exciting and challenging, particularly because leadership requires working with people who may have different views. “Being selected for the district position was exciting but I also realised that leadership comes with challenges,” said Nomcebo.

“You work with people who have different opinions and different ways of doing things. Sometimes you may want something to happen immediately, but others may have a different approach. I am excited about the position, but I also understand that I have a lot to learn.”

The public speaking segment focused on issues such as drug abuse, gangsterism and bullying in schools. Bokang said learners were expected to provide solutions rather than simply speak well.

“We were not there just to speak well. The important thing was to come up with solutions that could actually make a difference. That made the speeches more meaningful.”

Nomcebo described the speaking segment as challenging, saying it required confidence and encouraged learners to overcome social anxiety and clearly express their ideas.

Both learners also urged young people to make responsible choices and avoid negative influences. Bokang said young people should be careful about the company they keep, while Nomcebo warned against getting involved in situations that can become difficult to escape from.

Mondeor SAPS Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Elizabeth Mnguni said she was proud of the learners and their commitment to making a difference.

“I am very proud of our learners. They are showing that young people can work together with SAPS and other stakeholders to prevent crime in schools and among the youth,” said Mnguni.

“Their participation shows that they understand the importance of making positive choices and helping to create safer schools and communities.”