n a captivating display of knowledge and public speaking, learners from the EC Province participated in the highly anticipated Provincial Junior Commissioner Competition held by the South African Police Services (SAPS) in partnership with Eastern Cape Department of Education.

The event aimed at addressing various aspects of crime and empowering young minds to become future leaders on crime prevention related issues.

SAPS Provincial Head Proactive Policing Brigadier Nomvuyo Mrwebi said that SAPS is working with other Departments under our Integrated Youth Crime Prevention Strategic programmes to create a safe and secure learning environment which is free from Violence, Crime and Drugs

Mrwebi also pleaded with learners to participate in these programmes and encouraged them to report any criminal activities in school.

Provincial Coordinator for Schools Health Safety and Learner Enrichment, Makaya Dlanga saluted the marriage between and Department and SAPS.

"We have been working on school safety programmes for the past 8 years and would like to thank the District Coordinators for their hard work as well as our teachers for developing the children, not only academically but also on extra mural activities that led to this event today," said Dlanga.

Also attending the event was the EC Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General, Nomthetheleli Mene who shared that working with young people is very close to her heart especially on safety related issues like school safety and substance abuse.

"I would like to encourage learners to be more active in these programmes in order for their voices to be heard."

A new inaugurated Provincial Junior Commissioner Siphelele Zwane from Phakamisa Senior Secondary School in Ngcobo, Chris Hani West Education District was appointed.

In her speech, she unpacked her plan on fighting crime in schools and assured all present to continue fighting crime, substance abuse and teenage pregnancy in school and society.

"This indeed is a great collaboration between the two Departments as it brings learners together to fight issues affecting us all," concluded Zwane.