In response to serious bullying incidents reported at Walter Sisulu Primary School and Philena Primary School, the Safer South Africa Foundation (SSAF) has mobilised its express Communities and Justice Programme (CJP) in partnership with the University of South Africa (UNISA) to address these urgent concerns.
“It was alarming to hear about learners under 10 years engaging in serious cases of bullying,” says Walte Mashiya, SSAF Director.
“This worrisome matter bullying challenges at the two Olievenhoutbosch primary schools was brough to our attention by UNISA’s Dr Mmapeu Manyaka,” Mashiya says.
“Recognising the potential long-term impact on learners and the community, SSAF convened a multi-stakeholder intervention that included officials from UNISA, the South African Police Service (SAPS), representatives from the Department of Correctional Services (Community Corrections), and the District Office of the Department of Basic Education,” he explains.
The programme sessions introduced learners to the criminal justice system, their rights and responsibilities, and the importance of respect and non-violence in school environments. These engagements also allowed learners to interact directly with law enforcement and justice officials, helping to demystify the justice process and encourage positive behaviour.
Dr Manyaka is the UNISA Lead Investigator of the health-promotion project
implemented in partnership with Walter Sisulu and Philena Primary Schools. The project team uses a community-based participatory approach. From the baseline information, bullying was identified as a priority concern.
“We engaged key stakeholders such as the Safer South Africa Foundation form a village that supports addressing challenges at the two participating schools. The CJP sessions went a long way to create awareness at the Olievenhoutbosch schools,” Dr Manyaka said. Commenting on the collaboration with UNISA, retired General Riah Phiyega, CEO of the Safer South Africa Foundation, emphasised the importance of early intervention.
“Bullying is often the seed from which more serious criminal behaviour can grow. By addressing it early through the Communities and Justice Programme, shaping responsible citizens for tomorrow. Our work in Olievenhoutbosch shows the power of collaboration between schools, communities, and justice stakeholders.”
SSAF’s goal is to build a sustained partnership with Walter Sisulu and Philena Primary
Schools to address ongoing challenges and ensure continued intervention with all stakeholders involved. As part of this commitment, SSAF hosted a successful CJP at Philena Primary School tomorrow.
Following CJP sessions, the schools and community participated in a Walk Against Crime, with 1,400 participants at Walter Sisulu Primary and 2,200 at Philena Primary, demonstrating strong community support for safer learning environments.
The CJP in Olievenhoutbosch is part of SSAF’s broader mission to bridge the gap between communities and the criminal justice system, ensuring that young people understand how justice works and how they can be part of the solution.
