AfriForum Youth equip Sol-Tech students with practical safety training

In a country where crime is rife, AfriForum Youth’s Sol-Tech branch has equipped students at the institution with practical knowledge and skills to help protect themselves against criminal activity. In collaboration with AfriForum’s Community Safety Division, the youth organisation presented a Safety 101 session to 35 students who reside in Sol-Tech’s hostel.

The training focused on situational awareness, basic self-defence and responsible decision-making when a person finds themselves in a dangerous situation. The aim is not to encourage participants to confront criminals, but rather to help them reduce risk, recognise danger in time and get out of a situation safely.

“Almost every student has either been a victim of crime themselves or knows someone who has experienced it. That should not be the norm, which is why this training is so important. We continually remind students that their belongings can be replaced, but not their lives. Our goal is therefore to equip young people to stay calm, make wise decisions and prioritise their safety,” says Tania Scheepers, Junior Youth Officer at AfriForum Youth.

“The foundation for the future is being laid today. By exposing young people to self-defence and the potential dangers they may face, we can better protect them. That is why we keep our finger on the pulse — we are tradesman with a plan,” says Xavier Zan, Chairperson of AfriForum Youth’s Sol-Tech branch.

AfriForum Youth believes that safety is a shared responsibility. While law enforcement agencies play an important role, communities can also make a difference by supporting one another, sharing knowledge and equipping young people with practical skills.

The organisation will continue to offer similar training opportunities to help students and communities become safer and more resilient. In a time of great uncertainty, knowledge, preparation and the right mindset can make a real difference.