Youth equipped for positive change

As South Africa prepares to commemorate Freedom Day later this month, the Safer South Africa Foundation (SSAF), in partnership with the Harmony Gold Mining Company, has celebrated the successful implementation of its flagship Communities and Justice Programme at the Harmony High School in Virginia, Free State.

A total of 98 learners graduated from the programme during a ceremony to award certificates, held on Friday 10 April, marking a significant milestone in advancing youth-driven crime prevention and social awareness in the province.

The Communities and Justice Programme is a structured social crime prevention initiative designed to equip young people with comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system, the consequences of unlawful behaviour, and the importance of responsible citizenship.

During the programme, several pressing challenges affecting learners emerged, including bullying, cyberbullying, substance abuse, and the increasing prevalence of vaping among school-aged youth. These issues were openly discussed, creating a platform for awareness, reflection and proactive intervention.

Learners engaged directly with representatives from key criminal justice and public sector institutions, including the SAPS; the Free State Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport; the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA); the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development; the Department of Correctional Services; and the Banking Association South Africa (Basa), represented by Postbank.

Through 11 structured sessions that commenced on 23 February, these stakeholders provided insights into the consequences of crime and the functioning of the justice system. The programme incorporated experiential learning components, offering learners practical, real-world exposure to the criminal justice process.

Learners observed proceedings at the Welkom Magistrates’ Court before visiting a correctional centre, where meetings with inmates offered stark insights into the consequences of crime. These firsthand accounts of lost freedom and missed potential served as profound lessons in accountability and the value of choosing better paths.

Financial literacy formed an important component of the programme, with Postbank providing education on responsible financial management, including saving, budgeting, and awareness of financial crimes such as cybercrime.

Speaking at the award ceremony, SSAF Free State Provincial Coordinator Pitso Mereko emphasised the importance of early intervention and youth empowerment.

“The challenges of bullying, cyberbullying, substance abuse and vaping are not isolated issues – they are symptoms of broader social pressures facing our young people,” Mereko said.

“Through this programme, we are equipping learners not only with knowledge of the justice system, but with the confidence and moral grounding to make better choices and become ambassadors of positive change within their schools and communities.”

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The initiative featured an essay component, inviting learners to reflect deeply on crime prevention in their local environment. Those who excelled will progress to participate in the Youth4SaferSouthAfrica Debate and Leadership Development, a platform designed to cultivate the next generation of community advocates and leaders.

Andrew Monnane, headmaster of the Harmony High School, highlighted the programme’s impact on the school community.

“This initiative has made a tangible difference in how our learners think about their actions and their futures. We have seen a shift in behaviour, awareness, and accountability. As a school, we are grateful for this partnership, which reinforces our commitment to creating a safe and supportive learning environment.”

The award ceremony brought together learners, parents, educators and key stakeholders to celebrate participants’ achievements and recognise them as champions of safer communities.

As the SSAF continues to expand its footprint, the success of the Harmony High School cohort stands as an example of how collaborative, community-driven interventions can shape a safer South Africa.