Chinese CPF inaugurated to assist their community

GEORGE NEWS - The inauguration of the Garden Route Chinese Community and Police Cooperation Centre (CPF) was an elegant affair at Tramonto with the red carpet rolled out for guests and high-ranking officials on the list of dignitaries.

The Garden Route is the 15th cooperation centre of the South African Chinese community to be established in South Africa. Representatives from a number of their other centres were in George to attend the occasion on Sunday 16 April.

Ricky Lin, director of the Garden Route centre, said it is a platform where the local and Chinese communities can take hands.

"Our aim is to reduce the misunderstanding and unnecessary confusion among members of our communities and to build bridges so that people get to know each other. We also want to help fight crime and play a supporting role in instances where crime is committed and people are affected and need guidance," said Lin.

Wenze You, Consul-General of the Chinese Consulate in Cape Town, in his speech highlighted the comprehensive strategic partnership established between China and South Africa in 2010 and said the 25th anniversary of the China-South Africa diplomatic relations is being celebrated this year.

Honorary director of the Garden Route Chinese Community and Police Cooperation Centre, Caomei Wang and Brig Nolan Michael, representing the Garden Route policing sector.

The Consul-General of the Chinese consulate in Cape Town, Wenze You.

He said the two countries' cooperation in various fields has been mutually beneficial and has contributed to the development of both.

Brig Norman Michael, representing the Garden Route policing sector, said the police acknowledge the Chinese CPF. "We are not here as bystanders, but we want to join up with this forum and assure them that they can depend on the support of the SAPS."

Clr Virgill Gericke, representing the Garden Route District Municipality, also expressed support for the initiative. He said the Chinese community plays a significant role in the region and has invested substantively in the country and local infrastructure. "It is time to stand together against crime."

Bingkai Zheng, minister of the Chinese Embassy in South Africa, also attended the event.

Other guests included representatives of the George law enforcement and traffic departments, various local community police forums and police station commanders from the district.

Ricky Lin, director of the Garden Route Chinese Community Police Forum.

Bingkai Zheng (right), minister at the Chinese Embassy in South Africa, and honorary director of the Garden Route Chinese Community and Police Cooperation Centre, Caomei Wang.