Scholar patrollers thanked for work at schools
The event was hosted by the JMPD and RTMC, and sponsored by Gift of the Givers, Coca-Cola, 3M and many others
Four thousand learners from schools across Johannesburg were recently hailed by government delegates for their involvement in the scholar patrol programme.
These learners descended on Ruimsig Athletics Stadium on Thursday, 5 September, to receive their certificates and medals, and of course be treated to a spectacular day as a way to say thank you to them for dedicating their lives to helping other children across busy roads near their respective schools.
The event was hosted by the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), and sponsored by Gift of the Givers, Coca-Cola, 3M and many more …
Some of the schools that were recognised in Region C were Discovery Primary Full Service School, Horizon View Primary, Ridgevale Primary, and Cosmo City Primary and Junior Primary Schools.
Ward 97 PR councillor, Ralf Bittkau, who welcomed everyone to his ward, highlighted the importance of scholar patrols in schools. “What’s important to note is that scholar patrols do a phenomenal job as far as road safety is concerned,” he said. “They are instilling the thought of safety in other scholars, which is important,” he added.
JMPD’s acting Chief of Police, Mathokoza Kgaswawe, saluted the facilitators of the JMPD Community Outreach Programme for facilitating the scholar patrol programme in schools. “Without the involvement of JMPD in promotin the programme of scholar patrols throughout the Johannesburg region, this function as well as the ceremony today wouldn’t have been possible,” he said in recognition of their efforts.
He went on to also praise the learners. “The number of pedestrian injuries on our roads is very worrying, so we thank you for giving up your time in the morning, being at school before the other learners and taking up your responsibility with the supervision of your teachers, because without you we could never win,” he said.
Head of safety and facilitator at RTMC, Lucky Mabasa, touched on the serious aspects of the programme. “We have gone into a massive reconstruction of this programme. As we speak today, we have a scholar patrol policy which has been approved and replaces the old one,” he explained. He went on to say, “We’ve been asked so many times whether this programme is insured. Our answer is we are proud to say that we have revised our insurance and have made sure that the policy covers most of the areas of concern, one of which is in relation to accidents – the permanent disability of scholars, and death and medical expenses,” he explained.
He added they are now trying to encourage the private sector to assist them in revamping the programme by ensuring that all the learners receive their uniforms.
One of the first-time sponsors, Coca-Cola, which provided soft drinks to keep the learners hydrated as they danced and partook in various activities, plans to contribute to the cause in future.
The company’s public affairs and communications officer, Pirtunia Dhlamini, shed light on this, “We have a large footprint because of our trucks, and want to make sure that there is safety in our roads, therefore we will work with the stakeholders to establish their needs, such as the need for reflector jackets etc,” she explained.
The event concluded with demonstrations by the JMPD K9 and Mounted Units.
