Now in its fifth years, the initiative is spearheaded by the Safer South Africa Foundation (SSAF), an NGO born as the civil rights arm of POPCRU, and known for its pioneering Communities and Justice Programme (CJP) in schools across the country. Working in partnership with The Training Firm, the Youth4SaferSouthAfrica Debate and Leadership Programme was launched in 2020 with the aim to equip learners with critical public speaking, leadership and advocacy skills, says the foundation.

The programme is designed as a multi-week, team-based learning journey that aims to deepen young people's understanding of South Africa's criminal justice system while empowering them to imagine and advocate for safer schools and communities. Learners from communities plagued by gangsterism, bullying, violence and substance abuse are using the platform with hopes of turning their lived experiences into voices of change, adds the foundation.

"Debate is more than a competition — it's a mirror. It gives young people the courage to tell their stories, to unpack their pain and to realise they are not alone," says Edna Mamonyane, Gauteng Provincial Coordinator for the Safer South Africa Foundation. "I recall moments where these learners, when asked to speak impromptu about their lives, share the most personal truths — stories of loss, fractured families, or abuse. These are not anecdotes to be brushed aside. They are calls for help, and through SSAF's Youth for Safer South Africa Debates, they become the foundation for healing and leadership."

Adding to this, Claudette van Zyl, SSAF Coordinator in the Eastern Cape, aims to emphasise the transformative power of the programme. "Debate is not just about winning arguments, it is about shaping critical thinkers, future leaders and citizens who can imagine a safer country."

Echoing the sentiment, CEO of SSAF, General Riah Phiyega (ret) says, "As we prepare for the grand finale of the Youth for Safer South Africa Debates, we are immensely proud of the 54 learners representing 23 schools from across the country. These young leaders embody resilience and hope. Their voices are reshaping the conversation on safety and justice in ways our nation urgently needs."

At the finale, the programme will award:

  • First Place Prize: Tablet (Tablet Computer) sponsored by Workerslife.
  • Second Place Prize: Khoi Afripods1 True Wireless Earphones.
  • Third Place Prize: Rivers Foundation hamper.

Workerslife will also be sponsoring all 54 participants traveling to Gauteng with branded tracksuits, adds the foundation.

"We are grateful to our generous partners and sponsors who make this journey possible. From Workerslife sponsoring branded tracksuits for all 54 participants and a tablet for the first-place winner, the Rivers Foundation who are giving prizes to our third place winners and Khoi Tech providing headsets for the second-place team, your support affirms the value of our learners' voices. We also extend our appreciation to Pick n Pay School Club, who have been supporting us consistently with food parcels since 2020. A huge thank you to POPCRU, Medscheme, the Banking Association South Africa, Simphiwe Mtetwa Ltd (Pty) and the Insurance Institute of South Africa for their contributions. Together, we are not just running a debate competition; we are building a generation of courageous leaders who will carry South Africa forward" she concludes.

For more information, visit www.safersouthafrica.org. You can also follow The Safer South Africa Foundation on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor