The greater Mitchells Plain area also has a drug problem, which often makes it worse, and so I think the one way you (grade 7's) can help is if the 35 of you don't take drugs - because we all have the potential to take drugs, but you have also proven that you have courage.
Because for a grade 7 learner to call my office, that takes some courage, which is why I saw that phone call as a good opportunity to speak to you - because if you have the courage to call me, then you have the courage to NOT take drugs.
When my family moved here, I was in standard 8. There was no town center and few schools and behind my house lived the chap who led the gang in the area and when these guys talk to you nicely - you feel like you want to be with them because they make it seem easier to be on their side than to deal with life as it is.
So I want to tell you now that only brave people can stop them - and we have to be brave to stop vandalism. So if you have a solution, let me know and I promise to come back and execute it.
Because vandalism is not restricted to schools - state buildings, clinics and hospitals also experience vandalism, as do shops and peoples homes. So must also ask questions like can our moms and dads help us to protect our schools - so tell me what you think your parents need to do to help me solve the problem of vandalism.
The Education Department, Department of Community Safety and Police Services are also working on the problem, but another thing I want to say to you regarding vandalism is that often we know who the culprits are, yet we do nothing.
There are laws against malicious damage to property - vandalism is a criminal offence and criminal legal processes will be followed when perpetrators are caught. My colleague, Education MEC Yousuf Gabru will also visit your school. He will specifically speak to teachers.
We must take care of our teachers - they are the ones who look after you (scholars) on behalf of government and your parents. And you must let me know if, in the process of doing your assignment you find a solution. Because we may be able to use your solution at other schools as well.
So before I leave I would like to remind you of your school motto - 'We come to learn, we leave to serve', and encourage you to start by serving your parents.
Have a wonderful day and send me the outcome of your assignment.
