Polokwane – The Department of Transport and Community Safety, through its Social Crime Prevention kick-started the 2026 season by hosting the Capricorn District Community Safety Debate Competition on Saturday, 25 April 2026, at the Polokwane Royal Hotel. As the first district event of the year, it set a strong, impactful tone for the competitions to follow.
The event was attended by Departmental Stakeholders, South African Police Service (SAPS) and Community Policing Forums, Department of Correctional Service, Department of Education, ABSA, Eyes of the Nation, Road Safety Ambassadors, Teachers and learners from all participating schools. Their presence underscored the importance of partnerships in advancing community safety and amplifying youth voices. It highlighted the department’s commitment to promoting community safety through learners engagement.
Participating Schools were Sethwethwa Senior Secondary School, Sechichi Secondary School, Reholegile High School, Maroba Secondary School, Kgakoa Secondary School, and Seshego High School all took part.
Learners debated on pressing crime prevention and awareness topics, demonstrating sharp research and presentation skills. The motions were “Awareness campaigns are more effective than law enforcement in combating human trafficking”_ and “Cultural practices are the main driver of gender-based violence.” Teams argued both for and against each topic. The debates proved insightful and informative, raising awareness of crime-related issues in our communities.
The competition was a resounding success and
produced the top five learners who will
represent Capricorn District at the
Community Safety Provincial Debate
Competition in August 2026:
1. Palesa Koopedi – Sethwethwa Senior
Secondary School
2. Retang Thamaga – Reholegile High School
3. Ofentse Sethakgwe – Kgakoa Secondary
School
4. Tshiamo Ledwaba – Sethwethwa Senior
Secondary School
5. Michael Semenya – Kgakoa Secondary
School
The next district competitions will be held as
follows:
Sekhukhune District: 9 May 2026
Vhembe District: 23 May 2026
Waterberg District: 30 May 2026
Mopani District: 06 June 2026