JOHANNESBRG, January 27 (ANA) – Gauteng Department of Community Safety MEC, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane on Friday, said that she was worried about the ongoing disruption of learning and teaching in schools due to bullying and gangsterism particularly within the Sophiatown precinct.
“I commit to conduct unannounced random visits in various schools in Gauteng to combat selling of drugs within school premises. There will be an increase of sector policing during peak hours in schools to ensure the safety of learners,” Nkosi-Malobane said in a statement.
“I also challenge parents and all stakeholders to take responsibility, not leaving everything to the police. These are our children, and we must start to practice UBUNTU, where my child is your child. The Patroller movement will also be strengthened by the deployment of more patrollers to act as a force multiplier, to work closely with the school governing bodies and principals to rid schools of drugs and alcohol.”
On Thursday, Nkosi-Malobane visited three schools identified as problematic — namely R.W Fick Secondary School, St Barnabas College and Chris Botha Secondary School.
Nkosi-Malobane said during the visit she encouraged pupils to refrain from a behaviour which will prompt law enforcement intervention.
Gauteng Education Deputy Director General Vuyani Mpofu said in an effort to uplift school performance, the department handed over dignitary packs and stationary to pupils.
“As education department we strive to create an environment that doesn’t interrupt the academic development of learners. We want our learners to be well equipped to enable them to compete worldwide. These communities are willing and able to produce the best if assisted,” Mpofu said
“They must begin to emulate the spirit of the world class athlete [sprinter and gold medallist Wade] Van Niekerk who is from this community.”
Nkosi-Malobane met with all the 23 principals, and the community leadership within the precinct where they committed to reclaim their space by establishing a social movement, engage with the department of social development to form a Drug Support Group as well as reintroduce Advice Centres to support the community with job opportunities and skills transfer.
– African News Agency (ANA)
