School Resource Officers host Heritage Day fun run

25 September 2025

The six kilometre run was the second such event hosted by the Law Enforcement School Resource Officers (SRO) unit. Learners from 16 schools laced up for the event at the Zeekoevlei Nature Reserve.

The event attracted 128 learners from 13 high schools and three primary schools.
 
Participating high schools were: IQhayiya, ⁠Arcadia, Lavender Hill, Joe Slovo, Bulumko, ⁠Sophumelela, Zisukukhanya, ⁠Crystal, Bonteheuwel, ⁠Hindle, ⁠Beauvalllon,⁠Bishop Lavis and ⁠Phoenix High.

They were joined by learners from Hillwood, Liwa and Samora Machel primary schools.

The schools are all part of the SRO project – a collaboration between the City and the Western Cape Education Department that is now in its 13th year, and advances safety on school premises.

Currently, 114 School Resource Officers (SROs) are deployed at 57 schools to assist with scholar safety, crime prevention and creating safer areas around schools.

The first fun run was hosted in August 2024, supported by the provincial government’s Safe Schools Programme and the City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre.

The aim is to create an opportunity for learners to compete and enjoy the outdoors in a safe environment. 

'Our School Resource Officers do incredible work on the school grounds and in the surrounding communities in their areas of deployment. Events like this fun run and also the equally popular drill competitions are examples of how they go above and beyond in their efforts to make a positive change. Not only do learners get to enjoy the outdoors in a safe environment, but they also have an opportunity to compete positively, build character and make new friends. I salute our SROs for their continued efforts in reshaping our social fabric,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office