WELKOM – About 90 students at Goldfields TVET College’s Welkom Campus were engaged by police and community stakeholders on substance abuse, gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), as part of efforts to strengthen safety on and around the campus.

The awareness programme was held on Wednesday, 9 September, and brought together the Lejweleputswa District SAPS, Welkom SAPS, SANCA, the Department of Social Development and Safer South Africa.

The engagement focused on raising awareness about the impact of substance abuse and GBVF, encouraging open discussion and promoting practical measures to prevent crime and violence among young people.

Dangers addressed

Sgt Majoala Malindi, Lejweleputswa District Youth Crime Prevention Coordinator, addressed the students on the dangers of substance abuse and GBVF. She also highlighted the important role young people, law enforcement, educational institutions and communities can play in preventing violence and creating safer spaces.

A key feature of the programme was the pre-launch of the Campus Community Safety Forum (CCSF), which is intended to strengthen cooperation between SAPS, college management, students and other stakeholders.

The forum will provide a platform for identifying safety concerns, coordinating interventions, sharing information and encouraging students to become actively involved in crime prevention initiatives.

Welkom SAPS members also participated in the engagement, including Sgt Ramohlokoane, Community Policing Official, and Cst Radebe, Youth Crime Prevention Coordinator and Liaison Officer to Goldfields TVET College.

Students were given an opportunity to raise practical safety concerns affecting the campus and surrounding community. Discussions included reporting incidents, improving communication between students and police, preventing crime and promoting a culture of responsibility and safety.

Multi-stakeholder approach

The involvement of SANCA, the Department of Social Development and Safer South Africa reinforced the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to addressing substance abuse and supporting preventative interventions among young people.

SAPS said partnerships with institutions of higher learning and community organisations remain important in preventing substance abuse, GBVF and other forms of crime.

The pre-launch of the CCSF represents a step towards a more coordinated and proactive approach to campus safety, with students positioned at the centre of identifying challenges and contributing to possible solutions.

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Police said they remain committed to strengthening partnerships with educational institutions and stakeholders to help create safer learning environments and communities.