GEORGE NEWS - MM Mateza Primary School in Thembalethu was crowned the 2026 George Scholar Patrol Competition champion at the annual event held at the George Junior Traffic Training and Road Safety Centre in York Street on Friday 30 October.
The competition, hosted by George Municipality in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Mobility, brought together seven primary schools to test learners’ road safety knowledge, practical skills, discipline and teamwork.
MM Mateza secured a clear lead to claim first place, but the remaining podium positions were closely contested.
Parkdene, Mzoxolo and New Dawn Park Primary Schools each finished on 86 points and had to undergo an additional inspection round to determine the final standings. Parkdene eventually claimed second place, with Mzoxolo Primary School from Lawaaikamp finishing third.
Other participating schools were Conville, Hoekwil and Life Academy Primary Schools.
Shelley-Ann Roelfse of the organising team and Edwin Felix of George Traffic. Photo: Marguerite van Ginkel
Beyond the competition
Opening the event, George Municipality’s senior manager for safety and mobility, Ismail Patel, reminded learners that scholar patrol duties extend beyond the school gates.
He praised their leadership, discipline and willingness to help protect fellow learners, encouraging them to practise road safety throughout the year.
Elam Nukani, deputy director of community outreach at the Western Cape Department of Mobility, urged participants not to be discouraged by setbacks and highlighted the role young people play in promoting safer pedestrian behaviour.
Elam Nukani, the deputy director of community outreach.
Photo: Marguerite van Ginkel
He linked their efforts to Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku’s vision of halving road fatalities by 2030.
Noxolo Luwaca of Road Safety Management encouraged participants to appreciate one another’s efforts, regardless of the results.
“Today is about celebrating the participants. We are all winners, and it is important that we enjoy ourselves, recognise the other participants and acknowledge everyone who has contributed to the project. Road safety is everybody’s responsibility,” she said.
Liberty School opened its performance with a flag dance. Photo: Supplied
Edwin Felix, responsible for education and training at George Traffic, congratulated MM Mateza on its victory and thanked the participating schools, educators, judges and officials for their contribution.
The Association for Persons with Disabilities (APD) also supported the event.
- Compiled by Marguerite van Ginkel
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