The team aims to improve understanding of reporting pathways, the use of Form 22 and the responsibilities of school staff when cases are identified. At the same time, participating schools will be supported to strengthen the implementation of sexual harassment, anti-bullying and substance abuse policies. The work begins with principals and designated focal persons before extending to educators, school governing bodies and learners.
A coordinated team with shared responsibility
The 100-Day Challenge brings together partners whose responsibilities span prevention, reporting, investigation and survivor support. Ambassadors for Change is working alongside the North West Department of Basic Education, the Department of Social Development, the South African Police Service (SAPS), the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Office of the Premier, the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE), TVET colleges and Thuthuzela Care Centre representatives. Each organisation is pursuing its own SMURF goal while contributing to a broader objective of strengthening the local response to GBVF.
Looking at the different roles
Rather than operating as separate initiatives, the partners are organising their work so that activities support one another. Education is leading work within schools to improve reporting knowledge and policy implementation. Social Development is strengthening referral coordination and ensuring survivors can move between reporting, counselling and other support services. SAPS and the NPA are focusing on awareness of legal processes and encouraging reporting, while the Office of the Premier and the Commission for Gender Equality are engaging traditional leaders and communities to extend awareness beyond schools. Each partner has its own activities and reporting responsibilities, but stakeholders can also participate in one another’s activations to strengthen collaboration across the municipality. Progress will be reviewed through shared activity calendars and biweekly reporting, allowing the team to monitor achievements and adjust its approach where needed.
Activities over the next 100 days
Work is already underway. Workshops will equip educators with the knowledge required to identify and report cases appropriately, while school activations and awareness campaigns will provide learners with information about their rights, available support services and reporting processes. Stakeholder mapping will strengthen referral coordination, and partners will continue engaging schools, TVET colleges and communities through workshops, outreach activities and awareness campaigns. By combining the expertise of multiple organisations around a shared plan, the Mafikeng team hopes to strengthen reporting practices that continue well beyond the 100-Day Challenge.
Mafikeng