Stakeholders unite to address vandalism and safety in eMalahleni schools
Crime, bullying and vandalism around schools were among the key issues discussed as stakeholders seek practical solutions.
Stakeholders across eMalahleni have agreed on practical interventions to combat crime, bullying and vandalism surrounding local schools.
Held on Friday at Emalahleni Local Municipality, the engagement brought together stakeholders from various departments such as education, law enforcement, local government, community safety structures, school patrols, learner transport operators and social support organisations.
According to the organisers, the meeting, themed ‘Safer Schools, Protected Learners, Stronger Communities’, was aimed at assessing school safety challenges and agreeing on practical, co-ordinated interventions.
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Joint action against crime
Stakeholders discussed key issues on community safety priorities, crime around schools, break-ins and vandalism, weapons and criminal activity, learner safety, and bullying, among others.
Stakeholders agreed to work together to ensure the safety of learners across schools in eMalahleni, and to address existing challenges.
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Police urge mutual respect
Warrant Officer David Ratau of Witbank SAPS emphasised the need for the various departments to play their roles and respect one another.
“The Congress of South African Students (Cosas) Mpumalanga must communicate with us, and in cases that involve us police, they must be willing to step aside and let us do our job,” he said. “At the end of the day, no one is above the law, every learner will be treated equally, despite their background or parents’ status,” he added.
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