The Safer South Africa Foundation (SSAF), through its flagship Communities and Justice Programme (CJP), has awarded certificates of recognition to 120 learners from Sandisiwe Senior Secondary School in Mdantsane. The awards ceremony marks the successful completion of the 12-week experiential crime prevention initiative aimed at disrupting the cycle of youth criminality in one of the Eastern Cape’s communities.
The ceremony represented a critical milestone in the school’s and broader community’s journey toward restoring safety, discipline, and a culture of accountability among young people.
Ahead of the ceremony, SSAF’s Eastern Cape Coordinator, in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), conducted impactful community outreach sessions with learners. These sessions were part of the broader CJP and brought together key stakeholders, including the National Prosecuting Authority, the Department of Correctional Services, and the local Traffic Department.
The outreach addressed pressing issues such as bullying, substance abuse, and crime awareness. Learners were strongly encouraged to avoid criminal behaviour and were educated on how and where to report any incidents occurring in their schools or communities.
“The Communities and Justice Programme is not just an intervention—it’s a lifeline. By placing learners in direct contact with the justice system in an accessible, non-threatening way, we foster understanding, trust, and ultimately better decision-making among youth,” said General Riah Phiyega (Ret.), CEO of the Safer South Africa Foundation and former National Commissioner of Police. “We are proud of the learners of Sandisiwe Senior Secondary and are inspired by their willingness to lead change in their communities.”
The learners were taken to the Mdantsane Magistrate Court and Mdantsane Correctional Services for experiential learning. Through guided interactions with law enforcement officials, correctional officers, and local leaders, learners gained first-hand insight into the operations of the justice system. This demystification process helps them understand the real-life consequences of crime while inspiring them to be agents of change.
“This programme is so important for our learners because it makes them more aware of the consequences of crime,” said Mr. Nkosana Wright, Chairperson of the School Governing Body. “That awareness plays a big role in preventing crime and ultimately uplifts the community as a whole.”
Claudette van Zyl, SSAF Eastern Cape Coordinator, added: “We are working to build a generation of informed, responsible citizens who understand that the law is there to protect them—not to punish them unnecessarily. These learners have shown courage in engaging with difficult topics and should be applauded for taking this journey seriously.”
The event was attended by parents, community members, representatives from the School Governing Body, and local law enforcement—united by a shared vision to protect and guide youth away from criminal paths and toward positive, purposeful futures.
SSAF’s Communities and Justice Programme has already reached thousands of learners across South Africa. In areas such as Alabama where such programmes have been successfully running, school officials have reported a significant decline in disciplinary incidents and a noticeable shift in learner behaviour and outlook.
As the Foundation continues to expand its impact across crime-affected communities, its mission remains clear: to empower young people, reinforce community values, and create environments where education and safety thrive together.
