Cape Town: The Law Enforcement School Resource Officers (SRO) unit hosted the 6-km run for learners at the Zeekoevlei Nature Reserve. The event attracted 16 schools for its second such event.
Reportedly, the event attracted 128 learners from 13 high schools and three primary schools. The high schools which participated were IQhayiya, Arcadia, lavender Hill, Joe Slovo, Bulumko, Sophumelela, Zisukukhanya, crystal, Bonteheuwel, Hindle, Beauvallon, Bishop Lavis and Phoenix High. Learners from three primary schools such as Hillwood, Liwa and Samora Machel also participated in the event.
However, all schools are part of the SRO project, which is a collaboration between the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Education Department (at present in its 13th year) and advancing safety on school premises.
In total, 114 School Resource Officers (SROs) have been currently deployed at 57 schools to assist with scholar safety, crime prevention and creating safer areas around schools.
Notably, the first fun run was hosted in August 2024, which was supported by the provincial government’s Safe Schools Programme and the Disaster Risk Management Centre of the City of Cape Town.
The fun run aims to create an opportunity for learners to compete and enjoy the outdoors in a safe environment.
Considering this, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security – Alderman JP Smith said that the School resource Officers do incredible work on the school grounds and in the surrounding communities in their areas of deployment. Events such as Fun Run and the equally popular drill competitions are examples of how they go above and beyond in their efforts to make a positive change.
Smith further stated that the learners here, get to enjoy the outdoors in a safe environment. They also get the opportunity to compete positively, build character and make new friends. The event continues to reshape the society in better manner.