School safety is the focus this week. According to the in loco parentis principle, teachers assume the role of guardians and parents during school hours. But there seems to be an underbelly on the rise in our South African schools. The crime situation in schools is so dire that education authorities and management are forced to divert millions of funds meant for infrastructure development and maintenance towards security services to safeguard pupils, teachers and staff against rising crime on school grounds. The latest food poisoning outbreak isn’t helping the situation either. But what could be the causations thereof?

While it is appreciated that the festive season is a time for enjoyment and festivities, it remains very alarming that during this time of the year crime escalates apha emzansi afrika. Crimes like murder, rape,robberies and more are very common around this time. During the festive season of the year 2023, Five hundred and sixty suspects were arrested for murder, 604 people were charged with attempted murder and 470 were arrested for rape. Do you feel safe during the festive season?

Violence against children remains a critical challenge facing South African society today, despite tremendous efforts to curb this scourge. The legacy of violence and extreme inequality from South Africa’s past is compounded by high poverty and unemployment in the present. This combination places many children at risk of domestic violence, substance abuse, sexual abuse and neglect.

As we come to an end of mental month, with so many challenges at our schools such as bullying, violence, food poisoning. Expressions decided to put a spotlight on inspirational moments at two events as form of motivation and unleashing the talent at school and in our community by giving back . Dr Mbatha an international surgeon former learner at fidas High school gave back an art centre to motivate and inspire learners. With so many rape cases and robberies from Sophiatown street and parks as a result of long grasses that are not cut, young people decided to jump in a cleaning campaign to clean their parks and streets with the blessing from different stakeholder on board. Bakels , SA today, MMC for finance Expressions asks? Are we doing enough to give back to our community?

The 2024 matric exam preparedness, how preparedness is the department of basic education? Abafundi bona? Are they ready? For this monumental task ahead? The examinations are set to run from 21 October to 27 November 2024, The Matric is an important exam in the life of every South African student. Passing this exam allows them to apply for higher education. On average, over 800,000 students sit for these exams annually to earn a high score that guarantees provisional admission to higher education.

Following the recent incidents. Matters of mental health and awareness concerning bullying have come to the fore in the wake of bullying scenes from a Limpopo school, Dayveton Ekurhuleni, Pinetown in Kzn and Bradfort Freestate which have regrettably led to a pupil taking his life. Expressions ask Do our schools have a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying.

The first Pride March in South Africa took place in October of 1990. And so we celebrate this anniversary, both recalling the legacy of those who publicly took a stand in those early days but also as a reminder that we still have to do significant work within our society 34 years on to ensure greater recognition of, and support for members of the LGBTIA+ communities.

Labour laws and unfair treatment of the youth in work places. A viral TikTok video from a former waitress exposed alarming working conditions she was exposed under at a certain restaurant in pretoria. The revelations have triggered government inspections and a larger conversation about systemic exploitation in South Africa’s hospitality industry. The Incident underscores a broader issue in South Africa’s hospitality sector, where businesses reportedly exploit undocumented foreign workers.