In an effort to raise awareness against crime a group of primary school learners in Site B, Khayelitsha, converged at
Noluthando School for the Deaf and Autism on Friday 12 September to delve into the challenges they face in their communities daily.
The event, which was organised by the Khayelitsha Police Station and local community policing forum (CPF), started with a march at the corner of Bonga and Pama roads near Masiyile High School and concluded at Noluthando. The schools included Chumisa, Eluxolweni, Soyisile, Yomelela, Sosebenza, Kukhanyile and Noluthando.
Sgt Asanda Dawethi, spokesperson for the Khayelitsha Police, described the event as the first of its kind. She said they wanted the learners to speak out about their daily challenges when going to school and in society.
“The idea is to create a platform for children to express themselves freely. We want to hear from them,” she said.
As part of the campaign learners performed different plays reflecting on societal challenges, including GBV, extortion, substance abuse etc.
Dawethi labelled Site B as one of the crime hotspots in Khayelitsha with GBV, substance abuse, extortion-related killings, rape and domestic violence being among the common crimes. She stated that they intend to host the campaign annually.
“We were testing the waters, but we plan to do it every year. We also plan to include all the schools in our policing precinct, including high schools,” she said.
Sibongiseni Dlaku, Yomela Primary School principal, described the gathering as informative.
He said they are also trying to build a partnership with the law enforcement officials.
Dlaku described robberies and learners who come to school intoxicated as some of their challenges.
“We no longer have afternoon classes because our staff members are not safe. Since our school was extended to Grade 8, it has become chaotic. Some of the new learners who don’t know the culture of the school tend to misbehave,” said the principal.
National CPF chair Fransina Lukas urged learners to focus on their studies. She told them that they are the future leaders. She called for the protection of children. “Each one of the schools that stood here gave us a message. You (learners) spoke about the issue of GBV, crime, substance abuse, extortion etc and that is the reflection of us as parents for not protecting you enough. That should inspire us to do better and work together to ensure that your future is guaranteed,” said Lukas.
She said young people are becoming the victims of crime and are dying daily. She urged the community to unite and work together against crime. Asenathi Kweba, from learner from Soyisile, described the event as educational and entertaining. She appealed to the criminals to stop robbing them of their school belongings. Kweba said children do not feel safe in society.
Ward 89 councillor Khayalethu Gxasheka described the event as a great initiative. He cited that the crime rate is high in his ward.
“We are supporting any initiative that is trying to change and create a conducive environment for all. My ward 90% comprises informal settlements. The crime in the informal settlement is always high. The officers are trying their best to squeeze a space for criminals, but it is not easy,” said Gxasheka.
He urged all the community stakeholders to work with the officers to fight crime.
