The Gauteng police have introduced chess as a new way to combat bullying, drugs and gambling at local schools.
Gauteng SAPS Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, through the Chinese business community, handed over chessboards and marimba instruments to learners at Solomon Mahlangu Freedom School in Mamelodi on Wednesday.
Police, together with the South African Chinese community, also donated wheelchairs, printers, two water dispensers and 40 boxes of paper to help the school with its daily activities.
Addressing learners, Mthombeni advised them to stay engaged in sports and positive activities to steer them clear of crime.
Mthombeni expressed disappointment after some learners were spotted gambling in class in front of police.
“You are gambling, and you know this is a crime.
“We are having so many problems in terms of this type of activity in schools,” he said.
He said recently in Pimville, Soweto, a learner fatally stabbed another following a brawl, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Mthombeni said, “We are here with the Chinese community as part of giving back to the community of Mamelodi.
“Chess teaches us to think out of the box, to think about growth and the importance of coming up with a plan.”
He said chess helps us know that the “decisions we take later affect us in the future”.
“So, the decision you take to take drugs, you will find yourself on the streets addicted to drugs,” he warned.
“We hope chess empowers the youth and learners to think five moves ahead, not only on the board but in life.”
Mthombeni added that the donation is part of the School Safety Project, which is aimed at using sports to prevent learners from getting involved in criminal activity.
He said participating in different sports activities, including chess, helps learners a lot, especially with concentration and memory, as most have a tough time concentrating in class.
“The aim of the project is to use sports to prevent learners from being involved in criminal activity as well.
Chairperson of the school governing body Chris Mahlangu said, “We are grateful for the sports equipment that will help our children in their journey of life”.
Mahlangu also advised the learners to beware of peer pressure, think before you move, and think before you take any action.
“Playing chess helps improve the memory of learners in terms of planning, thinking, conflict resolution, discipline, and boosting their confidence,” he said.
“Your future is in your hands,” Mahlangu told learners.
Local councillor Vusi Masemola said locals have a challenge of bullying and drugs. “We wish the police would come up with a programme that will assist our school.
“We want learners when they come to school to know they are here to learn, not to commit a crime,” Masemola said.
“Therefore, we are grateful for the generous donations, the sports equipment will help shape the future of our learners and produce future leaders.
Masemola encouraged the community to take care of the local schools.
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