Let's talk about safety in George

GEORGE NEWS - Safety gurus and enthusiasts from our communities were as keen as mustard to learn more about keeping the town safe during a Safety and Security Expo last week.

Engagements, information sharing and safety exhibitions were at the forefront last Thursday, 3 October, at the George Civic Centre.

Residents had the opportunity to engage during a question-and-answer session, raise concerns and find out how to administrate a neighbourhood watch or join the Community in Blue - a community patrolling initiative of the police.

As an initiative of George Mayor Jackie von Brandis, the aim of this event was to encourage unity against crime. Von Brandis herself attended with members of her executive committee, councillors, and various representatives from the safety and security sector.

George Mayor Jackie von Brandis, Chief Whip Theresa Jeyi and Portfolio Councillor Brendon Adams. Photos: Michelle Pienaar

Sergeant Michael Opperman said the police currently focus on those who completed high school, aiming to involve them in community patrolling. "It is a starting point and could lead to enrollment at a later stage in the police force," he said.

"These youngsters can participate in crime-fighting initiatives without professional training. They serve as our eyes and ears. Our hope is to have more school leavers join Community in Blue."

In her keynote address, senior manager for Community Safety Lee-Anne Meiring talked about the municipality's role in community safety, the importance of partnerships, and the strategy for safety in George. "We believe that no single entity can ensure community safety alone. Our approach is to work across individual, relationship, community, and societal levels to prevent crime and violence," said Meiring.

"As the largest secondary city in our province, we must prioritise safety and tackle crime head-on as a united community," said Von Brandis.

Officials from the Western Cape Provincial Government, Garden Route District Municipality, the police and Department of Police, Department of Correctional Services, Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, Western Cape Liquor Authority community organisations, community policing forums, Community in Blue, neighbourhood watches and residents attended the event in their numbers.

From left are Eunice Kama (Community in Blue member: Ward 12), Ntombi James (Ward 10 committee member) and Zoleka Danstra (neighbourhood watch member: Ward 13).

We were there! From left are Catherine Damons (Ward 1 commitee member), David Keteldas (Blanco CPF and Neighbourhood Watch), Sergeant Michael Opperman, Priscilla Foster from Conville and Alice Mostert from Rosedale.