Empowering the Future: DOJ&CD Brings "Back to School" Program to Potchefstroom

Yesterday, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD) continued its impactful streak in the North West, shifting the spotlight to the Ikageng Township in Potchefstroom. As part of the ongoing Back to School programme, officials engaged with hundreds of learners to foster a safer, more informed school environment.

The outreach focused on three key institutions:

• Sarafina Secondary School

• BA Seobi High School

• HTS Potchefstroom

Breaking the Silence: Key Themes

The sessions weren't just about legal lectures; they were about survival and empowerment. Department representatives held candid discussions with students on issues that often stay hidden behind school walls.

• Anti-Bullying Advocacy: Learners were encouraged to move from being "bystanders" to "upstanders," learning the legal and social implications of school-based harassment.

• Sexual Offences Awareness: In a push for personal safety, the team provided vital knowledge on consent and how to identify and report sexual misconduct.

• Human Rights Education: By understanding their constitutional rights, students were equipped with the tools to demand dignity and respect within their communities.

Standing Up and Speaking Out

The core message of the day was clear: Knowledge is protection. By bringing the justice system directly to the classroom, the DOJ&CD aims to bridge the gap between the law and the youth, ensuring that students in Ikageng don't just stay in school, but stay safe while doing so.

"Today was about helping these learners find their voices. When a student knows their rights, they are no longer a victim, they are a protected citizen." — Department Outreach Summary