Johannesburg: AfricUpdate – News Desk
“Standing Together Against Bullying and Cyberbullying – Building Respect and Safety in Our Schools” was more than a theme, it became a living message on the morning of 28 October 2025, when the South African Police Service (SAPS), in collaboration with the Community Policing Forum (CPF), hosted the Junior Commissioners Project at Hoërskool Stilfontein.
This initiative, rooted in empowerment and discipline, brought together learners, educators, and community stakeholders with a shared vision: to cultivate youth leadership and foster safer school environments. The Junior Commissioners Project is designed to instill respect, responsibility, and civic awareness by immersing learners in the symbolic structures of SAPS. Through this immersive experience, selected learners assume junior leadership roles that mirror real police ranks, becoming ambassadors of positive change within their schools.
Voices of Change – Learners Lead the Dialogue
The event unfolded with vibrant energy as learners took to the stage with speeches, poetry, and a thematic dialogue session. Under the guidance of Mrs. Elsie Motlaleng, twelve learners were nominated for their commitment and leadership potential: Nyakallo, Phushudi, Mojalefa, Seperepere, Buhle, Palesa, Lesego, Tshegofatso, Thembi, Tankiso, Oratile, Seiphemo, Katlego, and Olerato.
From this group, four were selected to take up symbolic command: Oratile was appointed Junior Station Commander, Seiphemo became Junior Visible Policing Commander, Katlego took on the role of Junior Detective Commander, and Olerato was named Junior Support Commander.
A panel of five judges, Capt Baloyi, Jayden Dreyer, Mrs. Chakela, Mrs. Bester, and Mrs. Brand, deliberated with care before announcing the final selections. All learners received medals and certificates, with the top four honored with rank-bearing certificates that recognized their symbolic leadership roles.
Learner Reflections – Words That Build
Throughout the day, learners shared powerful reflections that echoed the event’s theme. These declarations, spoken with conviction, transformed the event into a platform of healing, courage, and leadership. Here are some quotes shared by the learners: “Safety and security doesn’t just happen, it’s the result of collective generation that says bullying stops with me. “Bullying stops with me.” “Never let bullying take you down.” “Respect is the key, and kindness is the door.” “People always have something to say. It’s how you react to it that matters.” “Words can break, but they can also build.”
Community Collaboration in Action
The event was further enriched by the presence of key stakeholders, including representatives from SanPark (Mr. O.E. Goitseone), the Department of Health (Ms. N. Qala, Mr. Gaanakgomo, Ms. Magadaza), and the Department of Social Development (Ms. T. Makama, Mr. R.L. Mabote). Educators and SAPS members played a vital role in facilitating the program and ensuring its success.
With approximately one hundred learners reached, the initiative marked a significant milestone in community-driven youth development. It celebrated the power of young voices and reinforced the importance of collaboration between schools, law enforcement, and civic institutions in building respectful, resilient learning environments.
