Empowering Rural Communities in the Fight Against Crime.

“Children are citizens too! We need to engage and empower them on safety and security matters,” said Safer South Africa Foundation’s CEO, Gen Riah Phiyega, speaking at a Certificate Award Ceremony on 20 July 2018, at BK Matlala Commercial High School, Matlala-a-Thaba area, Limpopo. The Certificate Award Ceremony is part of the Safer South Africa Foundation: Communities and Justice Programme; which is a criminal justice system education and awareness initiative for school learners.

The event coincided with a Mandela Day outreach programme that was graced by Telecommunications and Postal Services Deputy Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams and Communications Deputy Minister Pinky Kekana, in the same school. Gen Phiyega acknowledged the support received from all role players who contributed to the success of the programme. She acknowledged the local tribal council and Her Majesty, Kgosigadi Matlala. In 2011, BK Matlala experienced a fire blaze that burnt down the school’s administration block, destroying the staff room and typing area. The school then reached out to various government departments and non-governmental organisations to assist in rebuilding the administration block.

Through its corporate social responsibility programme, PGC Group responded and rebuilt the burnt-down building, which includes a library and computer room. “Safer South Africa Foundation’s immeasurable commitment in making our country “a safer place to work, rest and play” is aligned to our resolve to give our people the means to improve their lives through our offerings in the financial services space as PGC Group,” said PGC Group CEO, Zwi Mdletshe.

PGC Group has a proud history of supporting community initiatives and the Safer South Africa Foundation: Communities and Justice Programme remains a major driver of their CSI activities. “The Communities and Justice Programme provides a unique opportunity for young people in rural communities to participate in the crime-prevention initiatives,” said Gen Phiyega.