On the 17 August 2017 the learners, communities and relevant stakeholders braved the cold and rainy weather at Seaview High School in Mqanduli, to witness the launch of the march and drill programme. Seaview High School is one of the six schools identified by the OR Tambo Inland Education District as the “hot spot schools”. This means that there is a very low pass rate for matriculants, a high rate of drug and alcohol abuse and violence amongst the learners.

Jackie Mqwashele, Principal was so excited that the school was chosen for this programme. He indeed agreed that the school needs help and pleaded with the parents to help teachers bring about change in their children’s lives. “We are so excited about the programme, and we promise that we will work with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) and we commit ourselves. Parents should understand that this will need practice and commitment without, their full support we will never succeed” explained Mqwashele. Mqwashele said, “We are the only High School in this area, which means there are a lot of learners attending at this School and not enough teachers and classrooms for the learners.”  Hepleaded with the Department to help them build classrooms for the learners.

Captain Anele Gregory Ntsinde from SANDF- 14 South African Infantry Battalion, Mthatha said that they are aware of the chaos at schools regarding lack of discipline amongstlearners.  According to Ntsinde, they are there to give support to the educators and are willing to help instill the discipline back into the classroom.  “Part of our social responsibility is to help communities around us, especially those that are affected by crime. Our department is interested in helping make theselearners responsible adults one day. This programme will help learners become role models to their peers. They will learn a lot from those who will take part in the March and Drill programme. They learn to work and help each other as they are a team. It will also open doors for them in the future”

King Sabata Dalindyebo Metro Municipality Portfolio Head of Infrastructure, Nombulelo Sibeko, said that the Office of the Executive Mayor is very happy that one of their schools were chosen for such a programme. She also said that they fully support the initiative. She also added that the Office of the Speaker in their Municipality is running a programme called “The Moral Regeneration” which will work well with what the Department has put forth. “These two programmes will work very well together as both their aim is to help our learners become better pupils and excellent leaders of tomorrow. They will help build confidence and teach them love and to help those around them” “We are committed and we will assist where necessary, and we are in full support of the programme,” conclude Sibeko.

“It also aims to involve learners from all communities especially those who are affected by youth crime, drug abuse and gangsterism.  A sense of pride and discipline is instilled into them during their time spent in the programme,” said Mphathisi Songca, School Safety Co-ordinator from ECDoE Head Office. “The March and Drill programme is a perfect platform for recruiting future members for the Military Skills Development programme of SANDF, and SAPS. What they learn from the programme will help them become the best that they can be,” concluded Songca.<