Wednesday, June 25th, 2025
When criminals strike, everyone suffer
Safer schools for all
A new inter-governmental programme has been established to make schools in South Africa safer.
The Collaborative Implementation Protocol between the South African Police Service (SAPS and the Department of Basic Education was launched in Cape Town on Tuesday, 24 June 2025.
When schools are unsafe, when learners, educators and support staff live in fear, it robs learners of the very essence of learning and development, said Police Minister Senzo Mchunu at the launch.
“Our country’s future rests in the hands of our children. And as parents, first and foremost, we all desire the same thing – that our children live good, meaningful lives. We know that a solid education is the foundation of that good life,” Mchunu said.
Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and Mchunu jointly unveiled the Collaborative Implementation Protocol, pledging to create safer, child-friendly learning environments amid high statistics of violence.
This document will be a practical guide to bring urgent action in every district, in every province and in every school.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the SAPS, in 2011, formed a partnership to safeguard schools from crime and violence to protect learners and teachers.
A new implementation protocol was necessary to clarify each party’s roles, ensure a proper division of work plan activities and to ensure the protocol’s objectives are executed effectively at local level. This will also include implementing joint SAPS and DBE led crime prevention programmes within schools.
“During school holidays especially, we see a rise in burglary and vandalism. These are not victimless crimes. They rob our children of resources, time, and opportunity,” Mchunu said.
Criminal elements disrupt the education process and destabilise the very environments meant to nurture growth.
“As government leaders, elected by the people of this country, we carry a constitutional duty to realise the rights enshrined in our Constitution. The right to safety, the right to dignity and the right to education are not negotiable.
“These rights must be protected and upheld in every schoolyard, in every classroom and in every community.
“We cannot do this without parents, they must be active participants in the fight against crime starting in their own homes, in their streets and in their communities.” Source: SAnews.gov.za
SASSA empowers female leaders of tomorrow
Women take the lead
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially launched the fourth intake of the Women in Leadership Development Programme.
This powerful and groundbreaking initiative aims to equip and empower 120 female middle and senior managers with critical and valuable leadership skills and knowledge.
According to a media release issued by SASSA, the initiative also aims to empower young and emerging women managers with strategic leadership skills to thrive and lead with confidence. The programme will run for six months.
Delivering his keynote address, SASSA CEO Mr Themba Matlou emphasised the Agency’s commitment to skills development and gender transformation.
Furthermore, Mr Matlou highlighted that SASSA’s key strategic goals for the next five years are to improve organizational efficiency, customer experience and reduce poverty levels, among others.
“An organization has the responsibility to train its people, empower and motivate them”, he added. Matlou further affirmed that leadership development, especially among women employees, is key to achieving this.
The launch took place on Tuesday, 24 June 2025 at the Regenesys Campus in Sandton. Source: SASSA