Four outstanding high school learners from the Northern Cape have been sworn in as the province's new Junior Provincial Commissioners following a competitive two-day selection process held at the Kimberley Gymnasium this week.
Public speaking contest highlights gender-based violence
The event, which took place from Tuesday 24 March to Wednesday 25 March 2026, brought together twenty learners from high schools spanning all five districts of the province. Participants competed in public speaking rounds that included both prepared and impromptu speeches, with presentations centring on the devastating impact of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide on South African society.
Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Corporate Services, Major General (Dr) Thabo Mphuthi, and Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar, presided over the proceedings. The five District Commissioners were also in attendance, alongside representatives from the Department of Education, the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, the National Youth Development Agency, Hotazel Mine, Tshipi é Ntle Manganese Mining (Tawana Mine), the Safer South Africa Foundation, and learners from every district in the province.
Each contestant took to the podium with passion and conviction, demonstrating a firm resolve to tackle bullying within schools and contribute to the fight against crimes targeting women and children. A panel of adjudicators assessed all presentations according to the prescribed evaluation criteria.
The four successful candidates elected to serve were: Unonlhantla Smith of Carnavon High School in Carnavon as Junior Provincial Commissioner; Keletso Batlhaodi of Ratang Thuto High School in Postmasburg as Junior Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing; Abenathi Mphakama of Monwabisi High School in De Aar as Junior Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Corporate Services; and Osego Seriba of Pampierstad High School in Pampierstad as Junior Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection.
Newly elected commissioners urged to lead by example
Brigadier Irene Kopeledi, the Provincial Head for Pro-Active Policing, explained the objectives behind the initiative and congratulated all finalists who had advanced to the closing stage of the competition. Additional messages of support were delivered by Clement Baai, Provincial Chairperson of the Community Police Board, as well as representatives from the Department of Education and the Safer South Africa Foundation.
"Their role as Junior Provincial Commissioners is to be ambassadors of positive change. They are expected to promote respect, discipline and accountability among their peers. They are the voice of their generation — advocating for what is right, standing against what is wrong and inspiring others to do the same."
Major General (Dr) Mphuthi delivered those words during her keynote address, in which she congratulated the newly elected Junior Commissioners and wished them well in roles that carry considerable responsibility toward building safer communities.
"Leadership is demonstrated not only in words, but in everyday actions — in how you treat others, the choices you make and the example you set."
Major General Besnaar echoed those sentiments in his closing remarks, charging the new Junior Commissioner Corps to lead with responsibility, integrity, courage and a spirit of service. The elected learners will now serve as ambassadors for policing in the Northern Cape, particularly among their peers, schools and wider communities across the province.
The appointment of young learners as Junior Provincial Commissioners strengthens community policing efforts in the Northern Cape, a province grappling with high rates of gender-based violence and limited youth engagement in public safety. By positioning school-going ambassadors across all five districts, the initiative could bridge the trust gap between police and younger communities while encouraging civic participation. If sustained with adequate support, the programme may serve as a model for other provinces seeking to involve youth in crime prevention.
