Tsakani – Local police, the Greater Brakpan Taxi Association, CPF, EMPD and Titan Projects donated school uniforms and shoes to learners at local schools on March 11.
This was part of a social crime-prevention initiative held at Sizuzile and Langaville primary schools.
According to Tsakane SAPS station commander Colonel Sanjay Dookhi, the initiative forms part of the station’s annual social crime prevention programme aimed at giving back to the community and supporting disadvantaged learners.
“Today, learners will receive school uniforms and shoes. Although one of the main sponsors, Titan Projects, could not attend the event due to work commitments, the company contributed towards making the donation possible,” said Dookhi.
A total of 40 learners from the two schools will benefit from the initiative, with each school receiving 20 uniform packages.
“That is 10 boys and 10 girls per school. These are children who come from less fortunate backgrounds and we want to support them so they can focus on their education and become successful members of society,” Dookhi added.
He explained that the project is part of ongoing community outreach work carried out by SAPS and its partners throughout the year. Dookhi said stakeholders are already discussing future initiatives, including providing jerseys for learners during the upcoming winter season.
He cited that, as SAPS, they work closely with their community partners.
“It is not about the police doing things alone, but about working together so we can reach a larger number of people,” he cited.
He also urged parents and community members to become more involved in their children’s education, warning that lack of supervision often exposes young people to crime, drugs and gang activities.
“Parents need to know where their children are at all times. When children are left unattended, they can easily fall into the wrong hands and join gangs because they are looking for a sense of belonging,” he explained.
The different stakeholders that worked together to help change the lives of children. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
He added that SAPS is working closely with the Department of Education and local schools to address safety challenges, particularly in secondary schools, through awareness talks and regular engagements with learners.
“As police, our priority is to prevent harm and ensure the safety of our children,” Dookhi said.
The station commander expressed hope that the initiative will grow in the coming years.
“Today we are starting with a small number, but we hope that next year we can double the number of beneficiaries. I encourage businesses in the Tsakane area to come forward and partner with us so that we can reach more children in need,” he said.
The taxi association’s disciplinary committee chairperson, Boy Nkosi, said the organisation aims to change negative perceptions of the taxi industry by participating in community initiatives, such as donating school uniforms.
He said the industry is working to rebuild trust with commuters and improve discipline among taxi operators.
The different stakeholders at Sizuzile Primary School. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
“We want people to see that the taxi industry is not about violence or conflict. We are trying to build a better industry that serves the community,” he said.
Nkosi also urged commuters to check taxi registration details and association stickers when using taxis, adding that the association plans to introduce new stickers with watermarks to prevent forgery and help identify legitimate taxis.
Deputy principal of Langaville Primary School, Maria Molekane, expressed gratitude to stakeholders for donating school uniforms to learners in need.
“We really appreciate what they have done for our learners. Many of them come from poor families and do not always have proper school uniforms. This donation will help them feel confident and look the same as other learners when they come to school,” she said.
Sizuzile Primary school principal Philip Mokoena also thanked the stakeholders for their contributions, as they will help their learners greatly.
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