Going beyond the call of duty, our police officers have been working overtime to ensure that every child in need they encounter walks into the classroom with dignity and confidence this school year.
Hartsvalei, South Africa (21 January 2026) – Building on last week’s heartwarming story of Phoenix police officers – who stepped in to help a family turned away from school due to a lack of shoes – our dedicated officers continue to be a source of light and hope for families in need.
That spirit of service continued yesterday as part of the SAPS Back to School Campaign. The Frances Baard District Commissioner, Major General Charlotte Makgari, led a team of district management, including Brigadier Nicholas Mtongana and several station commanders. Joined by Community Policing Forum members, the delegation visited Relebogile Primary School in Hartsvalei to donate much-needed school uniforms to disadvantaged learners.
In outlining the background and purpose of the event, Major General Makgari stated that upon previously visiting several schools in the district and through social crime coordinators and Community Policing Forums, she had identified learners from impoverished families.
It was the plight of these learners that encouraged and motivated her to alleviate their needs by donating uniforms – an essential school item that many families are forced to sacrifice in order to take care of more immediate household needs.
More than 80 identified learners in the district received uniforms, which included shoes, socks, shirts, trousers, and jerseys. The shoes form part of SPAR’s in partnership with Bata to ensure families (and officers) can access affordable school shoes.
SAPS emphasised that the donation would provide essential access to education for underprivileged children, boosting their confidence, dignity, and self-esteem, and decreasing the rate of absenteeism and school dropouts.
The school principal, Agreenette Phale, welcomed and appreciated the donations, stating that they would contribute to boosting learners’ morale and confidence.
When addressing the learners, Major General Makgari further encouraged the promising youngsters to focus on activities that would positively impact their education and to stay away from any form of substance abuse.
We take our hats off to our local police, who are proving that they are not just protectors of the law, but champions for our children’s futures.
Sources: South African Police Service
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