Emthonjeni Secondary School learners complete an intensive crime-prevention programme
NGODINI, MPUMALANGA; 152 learners from Emthonjeni Secondary School were recognized today for choosing a different path: becoming Safety Ambassadors who can help prevent crime, encourage responsible citizenship and strengthen safety in their school and surrounding community.
The learners received certificates at the Safer South Africa Foundation’s Communities and Justice Programme (CJP) Award Ceremony at the Assemblies of God in Ngodini, Mpumalanga. The ceremony marks the successful completion of the Foundation’s flagship social crime-prevention programme and brings together learners, educators, parents, government representatives and strategic partners around a shared commitment to safer communities.
The urgency of this work is underlined by Statistics South Africa’s latest reporting on school violence. Drawing on 2024 General Household Survey data, Stats SA reported in June 2026 that 1,156,009 learners aged five years and older said they had experienced some form of violence at school. The evidence reinforces a central principle of the programme: school safety cannot be secured by the criminal justice system alone; prevention must begin early and involve learners, families, schools, government and communities.
Speaking at the event, General Riah Phiyega, Chief Executive Officer, Safer South Africa Foundation, stated:
“Every one of these 152 young people represents a choice for prevention over prosecution, courage over silence and leadership over helplessness. They are not graduating from a once-off awareness campaign; they are stepping into an active role as Safety Ambassadors. When young people understand their rights, the consequences of crime and the institutions available to protect them, they become powerful partners in changing the trajectory of their schools and communities.”
From the classroom to the justice system
The programme began at Emthonjeni Secondary School on 12 May 2026. After 11 structured learning sessions, 152 learners successfully completed the programme. Through interactive engagements with experienced officials, the learners explored the Criminal Justice value chain and built practical knowledge of crime prevention, constitutional and human rights, responsible citizenship, ethical leadership, financial literacy and the roles of institutions across the justice system.
Learning moved beyond the classroom. At the Mbombela High Court, learners observed live court proceedings and took part in a mock court exercise. At Barberton Correctional Centre, they engaged with correctional officials and inmates, confronting the real consequences of criminal behaviour while learning about rehabilitation. Nedbank also facilitated financial-literacy training on saving, responsible money management and informed financial decision-making; protective skills that strengthen young people’s agency and resilience.
“We have watched these learners grow in confidence, knowledge and their sense of responsibility to others. They now understand that a safer school is not something delivered to them; it is something they can help build through the choices they make, the behaviour they model and the courage to speak up when something is wrong. As a school community, we are immensely proud of the 152 learners who completed the programme, and we will support them as they put what they have learned into action,” stated Me. Dumisani Mabuza Principal, Emthonjeni Secondary School.
A partnership that makes prevention possible
The programme draws its strength from the collective contribution of institutions spanning education, policing, justice, corrections, human rights, community safety and financial services. By combining institutional expertise with practical, real-world learning, these partners helped learners understand both the justice system and their own role in building safer schools and communities.
As part of this collaborative effort, the Banking Association South Africa, through Nedbank, equipped learners with practical financial knowledge covering saving, budgeting, responsible money management, informed decision-making and the development of positive financial habits. This contribution is especially timely ahead of Money Smart Week South Africa 2026, reinforcing the importance of empowering young people to make responsible financial choices.
Growing a pipeline of youth leadership
The award ceremony will also formally induct the graduates as Safety Ambassadors and announce the top-performing learners selected for the Foundation’s 2027 Youth4SaferSouthAfrica Debate and Leadership Development Programme. The selected learners will join participants from Hlanganani Secondary School to form the Mpumalanga provincial debate team and attend the finals at the Birchwood Hotel in Johannesburg. Through debate, public speaking, critical thinking and advocacy, they will continue developing as informed and socially responsible leaders able to propose practical responses to the challenges affecting young people.
Since the CJP was introduced in Mpumalanga in 2021, the Foundation has reached and positively impacted more than 10,000 learners. For the learners receiving certificates today, however, the impact begins close to home: in the decision to resolve conflict without violence, to reject criminal behaviour, to protect one another and to become visible examples of the safer community they want to inherit.
