The Safer South Africa Foundation (SSAF) has recommitted to continue expanding its footprint in crime-ridden communities across the country by empowering learners, strengthening community ties, and fostering environments where education and safety can flourish.
This after the non-profit foundation handed over certificates to 107 learners who successfully completed the foundation’s Communities and Justice Programme (CJP) from Alabama Secondary school in Klerksdorp in the North West.
Speaking on You FM Newshour, the SSAF’s North West Provincial Coordinator Irene Ramatisa said that the Programme has already shown success.
“CJP has impacted thousands of learners across the province and the country, fostering critical thinking, legal awareness, and social responsibility among the youth.
In Alabama, the impact has been particularly profound, with school officials reporting a notable decrease in disciplinary incidents and a shift in learner behaviour,” said Ramatisa.
Furthermore, Ramatisa said that the programme continues to be a positive influence on South African youth and learners who continue to show determination by pushing back against bullying, school violence and substance abuse amongst others in their respective communities.
“This is a 12-week experiential crime prevention initiative aimed at disrupting the cycle of youth criminality in one of North West Province’s most affected communities like Alabama.
A community situated just six kilometres west of Klerksdorp, that has long been plagued by social challenges including gangsterism, substance abuse, and school-based violence,” explained Ramatisa.
The learners who received their certificates will become the ambassadors of the programme and will encourage their peers not to participate in criminal activities and gangsterism in the area.
The awards ceremony was attended by Former National Commissioner of Police and CEO of SSAF, General Riah Phiyega (ret).
Ramatisa said it marked a critical milestone in the schools and broader community’s journey toward restoring safety and discipline.
“For many learners, this programme is a lifeline.
Many of our learners arrive at school burdened by violence, poverty, and a lack of guidance.
Some bring knives and pangas for protection.
Others are already exposed to substance abuse.
But over the 12 weeks of the CJP, we saw them becoming receptive and understanding the consequences of wrong conduct,” Ramatisa added.
SSAF said that it is working with the South African Police Service, Banking Association, including other key stakeholders such as the National Prosecuting Authority (Klerksdorp Magistrate Court), the Department of Correctional Services (Klerksdorp Correctional Center), accompanied by a parolee who shared their lived experience, and the local Traffic Department.
The event was attended by parents, community members, school governing body representatives, and local law enforcement.
According to SSAF, they were all united by a common purpose, to steer young people away from crime and toward a future of leadership and positive contribution.
