Calm restored at Kliptown and Silver Oaks schools

Following a tumultuous year, Kliptown and Silver Oaks Secondary Schools have returned to normal, following intervention by authorities and the Safer South Africa Foundation (SSAF).

The intervention has drastically reduced violent incidents, proving the effectiveness of crime prevention education.

Before the intervention, frequent violent incidents, including stabbings, required regular police assistance.

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However, since the start of the year, only one serious incident has been reported. Silver Oaks Secondary School SGB, Mr. Sheldon Tshabedi, said:

“The main issue was the spillover of social ills such as gangsterism into the school.

“Every week, we had at least one case of serious violence, including stabbings, to deal with. Since the start of the year, we’ve only had one serious incident.”

The Communities and Justice Programme (CJP) has been important in fostering a safer school environment, improving discipline, and inspiring a new sense of purpose among learners.

“Despite the initial hurdles, CJP has had a transformative impact, fostering a shift in learners’ attitudes, improving discipline, and inspiring a new sense of purpose,” said Enda Mamonyane, SSAF’s Gauteng Provincial coordinator.

In recognition of the 329 learners’ commitment to avoiding indiscipline and criminality, SSAF, parents, and various stakeholders hosted an award ceremony.

The event marked the successful completion of the CJP, an experiential crime prevention initiative designed to empower young people with knowledge of the criminal justice system and the consequences of crime.

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SSAF plans to expand the programme to other schools and out-of-school youth, aiming to make a lasting difference in the lives of South African youth. SSAF CEO General (Retired) Riah Phiyega expressed:
“Together with our partners, we will keep a watchful eye on things.

“We remain committed to working with schools, parents, and community stakeholders to expand the programme and continue making a lasting difference in the lives of South African youth.”

Tshabedi added: “If we had the resources, we would extend this initiative to the entire school and even to out-of-school youth because the need is overwhelming.”

Parents and educators have praised the programme for helping learners understand the realities of life. Many have changed their ways, becoming more disciplined—not just at school, but also at home.