The South African Police Service Women’s Network supported the Kings Young Men Enrichment Programme (KYMEP) and Community Organised Reap Empowerment (CORE) in a workshop titled ‘Creating Social Justice for all’, on Friday, 06 May 2022, at Ipopeng High School in Setumong, Ga Matlala.

The Police were led by career Police Officer and Women’s Network Champion Brigadier Mashila, who partnered with fellow Women’s Network Champions; Lieutenant Colonel Mokwena, Sergeant Masingi and Warrant Officer Mashala.

In attendance, were proud Mrs Universe Africa Finalist, Lieutenant Colonel Poledi Matjutla who had the support of fellow community builders and prominent speakers; CORE Chairperson Ms Polvis Matlala, Father a Nation Representative Mr Rathabeng Mamabolo, Bold Moves Radio founder Pastor Strike Manganyi, Ipopeng High School Principal Mr Mashala and Mr Sithole.

The purpose of the presentation was to address male learners from the grades of 8 and 9 to gender social inequalities and how to navigate through them; and furthermore sensitise learners on distinguished issues confronting young men and leading them away from the life of crime, self-destruction and decimation of the community.

Mrs Universe Africa Finalist, Lieutenant Colonel Poledi Matjutla began the workshop by assuring learners of their importance as young men, the love the world has for them and the need for them to become good leaders as well as respectful and respected members of the community. She also spoke about her inspirations that made her dedicate her life to the cause, which include Brigadier Mashila and Pastor Strike; and articulated that she chose to take up the role of play a positive role in the lives of others, particularly young men because other people played the role in hers.

CORE Chairperson Ms Polvis Matlala acknowledged learners as young men who have a positive role to play in the community. She encouraged learners to read any materials that are accessible to them whether it be newspapers, new or old books and more, in order to shape their young minds and build their wealth of knowledge and vocabulary. She proceeded to motivate learners to acknowledge African authors who tell African stories as they are themselves Africans. She advised learners to read and equip themselves with education in order to set a prosperous future for South Africa.

Brigadier Mashila took the podium on behalf of the Police and Provincial women’s network to address learners and future leaders of our communities. She sensitised learners on issues confronting them in schools, which included bullying, use of drugs, carrying of dangerous weapons and negative effects of a criminal record. Brigadier Mashila encouraged learners to focus on their education and refrain from bad behaviour and criminal activities. Furthermore, she articulated to the learners that crime is not a career and can never be one, but instead, it is a death trap and a platform for pain.

Father a Nation Representative Mr Rathabeng Mamabolo spoke to the learners in a relatable language and manner as that used by young men. He told learners on the old adage, “A man is a sheep, he cries within himself” and debunked the myth by letting the learners know that a man must cry just like everybody in order to release his pain instead of bottling everything up to a point where he ends up bursting with rage. Mr Mamabolo advised learners to abstain from sexual activities and sensitised them on the dangers and responsibilities of sexual activities. He told learners to take responsibility for their actions and that there is no excuse for abuse and irresponsibility.

Circuit Manager Mrs Mthimkhulu expressed appreciation for how the programme is helping develop young minds and building them into responsible young men. She spoke about a need for extramural activities such as ‘boy scouts’ and ‘girl guides’ that helped shape her future and others she grew up with as a black child. Mrs Mthimkhulu spoke about eradicating the premise of the black child always being the culprit in crime. She said, “We need all stakeholders in building the community and not just a community but an educated community”.

Pastor Strike Manganyi told learners about the importance of having a relationship with God and how that can be a building block and a pillar of strength, love and guidance in one’s life. He said, “If you look at yourself you will realise that God did not make you to be a useless subject, you were meant to be great. Every successful man was once young and worked hard to be where they are today. It does not matter where you are coming from, who your parent are, the future is in your hands. Respect your mother and treat every woman or girl as you would treat your sister and your mother.” The Pastor progressed to explain to learners the importance of education, how it opens up one’s eyes and develops love, passion and resilience in a person’s life. Pastor Strike Manganyi encouraged learners to be ambassadors of their communities with respect for their elders, peers and for that which does not belong to them. Furthermore, he advised learners to refrain from destructive behaviour and not involved themselves in things that might harm their future, mind and spirit.

Mr Sithole, who was the programme director and is an avid motivational speaker in schools in the area said to the learners, “you are what you eat. If you eat unhealthy food, you will be unhealthy. If you consume drugs, you will be an addict. But if you read books, you will be wise”.

Principal Mr Mashala said that the seed of information and knowledge had been planted in the minds of the learners; and that it is up to them to water it and their way of life will show everyone if they have bear fruits.

Source: South African Police Service