The Springs SAPS hosted its bi-annual competition to appoint junior commissioners on November 26. Innocent Ngwenya, Marvelous Pudumo, Lindokuhle Tshabangu, Nosiwe Phakathi, and Kwanda Giqwa had to present a compelling speech about gender-based violence (GBV).
The programme was hosted to allow the youngsters to learn responsibility and discipline, and to instil those principles in their schools.
“Junior commissioners help spread messages on crime prevention, anti-bullying, drug awareness, GBV, and other safety topics to their peers,” police spokesperson Sergeant Charity Zwane said.
During the event, learners were introduced to policing as a potential career and experienced first-hand how the SAPS operates.
The judging panel assessed participants on their confidence, critical thinking, and articulation. Springs Technical High School learner Lindokuhle Tshabangu was named the junior station commander after winning with her presentation.
The top three were Innocent Ngwenya, Lindokuhle Tshbangu, and Marvelous Pudumo. Photo: Buhle Matsoele
In a powerful speech, Lindokuhle spoke of the importance of remembering the GBV victims’ names and that of the perpetrator.
“This is another factor that enables GBV. Perpetrators have to be named and shamed. Why is it that the victims’ families have to endure pain and public scrutiny, yet we quickly forget the perpetrators?” she said.
She highlighted the alarming statistics of how at least 15 women are murdered, and over 100 rape cases are reported every day.
Lindokuhle also touched on an often overlooked issue of men being the victims of GBV; men who often shy away from publicly reporting their cases, fearing ridicule or being judged by society.
“We are thankful to the police for their service, for solving the cases they have solved, and making a change. However, we would appreciate it if they did better by solving the cold cases that are still out there,” Lindokuhle said.
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Speaking to Springs Advertiser, Lindokuhle said she knew she would get the junior station commander position.
She said she would use her new role to mobilise change in her school by fighting against the culture of gangs, bullying, and disrespect to teachers.
Modder East High School learner and second-place winner, Marvelous, was named the junior vispol commander. He said this experience has equipped him with the skills he will use in his future.
“When I came, I told one of my fellow contestants that I was doing this to gain experience. A few years from now, we will be standing in front of the nation because an opportunity like this gave us the experience,” he said.
Innocent Ngwenya represented Springs Boys’ High School. He shared that participation in this programme was a test of confidence.
“The difference between debate and public speaking is that debate is more tense, whereas public speaking is a relaxed experience,” he said.
Lindokuhle Tshabangu is the junior station commander. Photo: Buhle Matsoele
Sergeant Kgomotso Ramlall, Nosizwe Phakathi, Fiona Mononyana and Lieutenant Colonel Rajesh Ramlal. Photo: Buhle Matsoele
Innocent, who won third place, was named junior detective commander. He said he would like to see a shift from a negative masculinity to a more modernised masculinity mindset in his school.
“Because it is an all-boys school, there is a wrong idea of what being masculine means. I would like us to step away from that mindset,” he said.
Lieutenant Colonel Rajesh Ramlal delivered the closing statement, “All of you are winners, and your work does not end here. You must go into your schools and continue to encourage discipline and respect.”
The winners:
First (junior station commander) – Lindokuhle Tshabangu from Springs Technical High School
Second (junior vispol commander) – Marvelous Pudumo from Modder East High School
Third (deputy detective commander) – Innocent Ngwenya from Springs Boys’ High School
Fourth – Kwanda Giqwa from Pioneer Park High School
Fifth – Nosizwe Phakathi from Eureka High School.
Lieutenant Colonel Rajesh Ramlal encourages the learners to show discipline in their schools. Photo: Buhle Matsoele
The participants are Marvelous Pudumo, Nosizwe Phakathi, Innocent Ngwenya, Kwanda Giqwa, and Lindokuhle Tshabangu. Photo: Buhle Matsoele
Sergeant Kgomotso Lungu, Springs Boys’ High School teacher Angelina Ford, Innocent Ngwenya, and Lieutenant Colonel Rajesh Ramlal. Photo: Buhle Matsoele
Sergeant Kgomotso Lungu, Marvelous Pudumo, Lieutenant Colonel Rajesh Ramlal and Nduduzo Nxumalo
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