More than 50 learners from 23 schools across eight South African provinces are taking part in the Youth for Safer South Africa Debates, a powerful platform that gives young people from vulnerable communities the opportunity to lead conversations on safety, justice, and social impact.
Now in its fifth year, the initiative is spearheaded by the Safer South Africa Foundation (SSAF), an NGO established as the civil rights arm of POPCRU and renowned for its pioneering Communities and Justice Programme (CJP) in schools nationwide. In partnership with The Training Firm, the Youth4SaferSouthAfrica Debate and Leadership Programme was launched in 2020 to equip learners with critical public speaking, leadership, and advocacy skills.
Unlike traditional debate competitions, this programme is designed as a multi-week, team-based learning journey that deepens learners’ understanding of South Africa’s criminal justice system while empowering them to imagine and advocate for safer schools and communities. Participants—many from communities challenged by gangsterism, bullying, violence, and substance abuse—use the platform to turn their lived experiences into voices of change.
“Debate is more than a competition—it’s a mirror. It gives young people the courage to tell their stories, to unpack their pain, and to realise they are not alone,” says Edna Mamonyane, Gauteng Provincial Coordinator for the Safer South Africa Foundation. “These are not anecdotes to be brushed aside. They are calls for help, and through SSAF’s Youth for Safer South Africa Debates, they become the foundation for healing and leadership.”
Adding to this, Claudette van Zyl, SSAF Coordinator in the Eastern Cape, highlights the transformative impact of the programme:
“Debate is not just about winning arguments—it is about shaping critical thinkers, future leaders, and citizens who can imagine a safer country.”
Echoing the sentiment, General Riah Phiyega (ret), CEO of SSAF, notes:
“Our learners embody resilience and hope. Their voices are reshaping the conversation on safety and justice in ways our nation urgently needs.”
The programme is also supported by generous partners and sponsors. Workerslife has provided branded tracksuits for all participants and technology prizes for top-performing teams. The Rivers Foundation and Khoi Tech have contributed hampers and wireless earphones for winners, while Pick n Pay School Club has consistently provided food parcels since 2020. Additional support has come from POPCRU, Medscheme, the Banking Association South Africa, Simphiwe Mtetwa Ltd (Pty), and the Insurance Institute of South Africa.
Together, these partnerships affirm the value of young people’s voices and ensure the Youth for Safer South Africa Debates continue to build a generation of courageous leaders committed to safety, justice, and positive change in their communities.
