On Thursday, 27 August, City of Johannesburg stakeholders in Region E joined the City's Library and Information Services (LIS), under the Department of Community Development, in engaging pupils at Ithute Primary School in Alexandra on issues affecting their communities.

Almost 500 Grade 5, 6 and 7 pupils participated in the programme, which addressed bullying, abuse, child-headed households and overcrowding. The programme brought together representatives from Life Reload Centre, City Disaster Management, City Health, LIS, health promoters and the Office of the Executive Mayor. It was facilitated by Lindani Sikhakhane, Senior Librarian at Alex 8th Library and Region E Libraries Programme Committee Chair.

Learners participated in eye-opening sessions focusing on challenges that affect their everyday lives, with particular emphasis on bullying and abuse. Bullying remains a serious concern in Alexandra schools, prompting awareness programmes and calls for stronger support for learners. City libraries and other stakeholders continue to work with schools and communities to raise awareness about bullying, substance abuse and related social challenges.

MMC for Community Development Cllr Thapelo Amad, commended the LIS and called on communities to work together to address challenges at grassroots level.

“These challenges affect all of us as the City. They can only be eradicated if the community is committed to addressing them at grassroots level. The home is the primary institution for every child. What happens at home shapes what happens to the child when they leave home to go to school or into the community.

“It takes a village to raise a child. Let us commit to raising responsible children who do not bully others, who do not abuse substances or other children," said Cllr Amad.

The programmes complement efforts by the South African Police Service and the Gauteng Department of Education to strengthen school safety, learner support and counselling.

Through continued collaboration between the City, schools, parents and communities, stakeholders aim to create safer and more supportive environments where children can learn and thrive.

Written by Maseipati Tsotsotso
28/08/2026

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