MM Mateza Primary School crowned 2026 Scholar Patrol Champions

The champions of the Scholar Patrol competition is MM Mateza Primary School. Here are the winners, teachers and members from George Traffic and Department of Mobility. In front from left are, Gwaza Samkelo, Maqalanqa Alizwa,Fudumele Anovuyo,Roxo Lahluma and Manko Ingalakha. At the back are Fayela Ahlumile, Duwayne Joseph, Gcuku Aviwe, Franklin Windwaai, Thobeka Kowa, Memani Olunje, Nyangaza Oyintando, Eric Rasi, Warm Milani (Captain), Elam Nukani, Lulamile Lakata, Xolelwa Tsholoba, Edwin Felix and Lafras Boesak

MM Mateza Primary School in Thembalethu has been crowned the 2026 George Scholar Patrol Competition champions, following a closely contested competition held at the George Junior Traffic Training and Road Safety Centre in York Street on Friday, 30 October 2026.

The annual competition, hosted by George Municipality in collaboration with the Western Cape Department of Mobility, provides learners participating in the Scholar Patrol Programme with an opportunity to demonstrate their road safety knowledge, practical skills, discipline and teamwork. It also recognises the important role young scholar patrol members play in protecting fellow learners and promoting child pedestrian safety.

Ismail Patel, Senior Manager: Safety and Mobility Directorate at George Municipality, officially opened the competition and welcomed the participating schools and officials. He highlighted that the event was about more than a contest of skill and knowledge, but also a celebration of leadership, teamwork, discipline and service.

He commended the learners for taking an active role in promoting safer roads and protecting their fellow scholars, emphasising that road safety is everyone’s responsibility. He encouraged participants to carry the road safety lessons beyond Road Safety Month and make them part of their everyday lives.

Elam Nukani, Deputy Director: Community Outreach at the Western Cape Department of Mobility, encouraged learners to remain committed to their activities and not become discouraged by setbacks. He reminded them that every experience contributes to future opportunities and that their efforts to educate fellow learners about road safety make a meaningful difference.

He also highlighted the important role young people play in promoting safe pedestrian behaviour, noting that their contribution supports Minister of Mobility Isaac Sileku’s vision to halve road fatalities by 2030.

Noxolo Luwaca from Road Safety Management, who provided an overview of the project, encouraged learners to enjoy the competition and recognise 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.

Participating schools included MM Mateza, Parkdene, Conville, Hoekwil, New Dawn Park, Mzoxolo and Life Academy Primary Schools. The Association for Persons with Disabilities (APD) also supported the event.

MM Mateza Primary School secured first place to become the 2026 champions, while Parkdene Primary School finished second and Mzoxolo Primary School, Lawaaikamp took third place.

The competition produced an exciting finish when Parkdene, Mzoxolo and New Dawn Park Primary Schools were tied on 86 points. A further round of inspection was required to determine the final second and third positions. MM Mateza Primary School had already secured a clear lead to claim the championship title.

Edwin Felix from George Traffic responsible for education and training congratulated MM Mateza Primary School on its achievement and commended all participating schools, learners, educators, judges and officials for their commitment and contribution to road safety.

Photos:

One of the participating schools does patrolling before the judges.

Parkdene Primary boasts with a secure second place in the competition.

Mzoxolo Primary nestled in steadily in third place.

Hoekwill Primary learners during the competition.

Life Academy started their creed with a dance with flags.

Noxolo Luwaca from Road Safety Management gave an overview of the project at the event.