In an effort to strengthen relations between the community and law enforcement, members of the Women’s Desk at Lwandle Police Station donated school uniforms to underprivileged learners from several local schools.
The handover ceremony took place at Christmas Tinto Primary on Wednesday, 4 March. Six learners from three schools benefited from the initiative, with two learners each from Christmas Tinto Primary, ACJ Phakade Primary School, and Lwandle High School.
Giving back to the community
Event organiser Sgt Tembakazi Maqekeni said the initiative forms part of the Women’s Desk’s commitment to giving back to the community. She explained that officers frequently see learners walking to and from school without proper uniforms, and in some cases wearing worn-out shoes.
“Because we work in the community every day, we often see these children going to or coming from school without proper uniforms. Some wear broken shoes. We approached teachers to identify at least two learners from each school who would benefit from the donation,” she said.
Maqekeni added that she and her colleagues personally contributed funds to purchase the uniforms. She described the project as the first of many planned initiatives.
“We intend to make this a quarterly initiative. This was our first step — we were testing the waters — but we hope to assist wherever we can,” she said.
Building trust beyond law enforcement
She emphasised that the broader aim is to build bridges between the officers and the community.
“We want people to understand that a police station is not only a place for arrests. It is also a home away from home. Community members with any kind of problem, even personal matters can come to us, and we will refer them to the relevant stakeholders,” she said.
A boost for learners’ confidence
Teacher Somikazi Mtya from Christmas Tinto Primary expressed her appreciation for the officers’ efforts, describing their work as “a stunning job.”
“We believe that a new uniform will boost learners’ self-esteem and motivate them to attend school every day,” said Mtya, adding that many of the school’s learners come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Parents express gratitude
Parent Asanele Nzimani from Zola said she was overjoyed by the gesture. Currently unemployed, she said she is unable to afford a school uniform for her child.
“I’m so happy for my child. I thought the officers would only give him school shoes or grey trousers. I was surprised when they gave him a full uniform and a school bag. I don’t have words,” said Nzimani.
