Vosloorus – The Department of Transport today handed over a torch of peace to the Department of Basic Education, which signifies a commitment to creating safer schools.
Speaking on behalf of Transport Minister Dipuo Peters at an event held at PT Xulu Secondary School in Vosloorus, Department of Transport Acting Director-General Mathabatha Mokonyama called on communities to actively get involved in combating violence in schools and promoting peace in their communities.
“All of us have a responsibility to promote peace,” Mokonyama said.
He took an opportunity to call on learners to always observe road safety regulations. “We should all be road safety ambassadors.”
The Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities handed over the torch to the Department of Transport last year for the festive season road safety campaign.
The torch is set to promote, among other things, peace in schools.
It will be handed over to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development in March, to mark Human Rights Day
Receiving the torch, Basic Education Department Acting Chief Director Dr Sharmain Mannah, said school safety was important and all should be involved in getting rid of violence in schools.
“Parents and community members should play an active role in promoting school safety,” she said.
She also called on learners to distance themselves from all forms of violence and respect each other.
The Torch of Peace started as a symbol of the country's campaign to combat violence against women and children, and has evolved to represent a rallying point of the creation of a more caring, more humane and safer South Africa.
Among others, the event was attended by learners, representatives from Road Accident Fund and other road safety stakeholders in the private sector. – SAnews.gov.za
