Elections for the new executive committee of the Community Policing Forum (CPF) were held at Noluthando Hall in Joza on Monday evening.
Elections for the new executive committee of the Community Policing Forum (CPF) were held at Noluthando Hall in Joza on Monday evening.
Registered nominees, their respective organisations and members of the outgoing CPF were the only ones eligible to vote. The public was invited to observe the proceedings and Monica Mbatsha, the SAPS Provincial CPF representative, was there to oversee, facilitate and guide in the election process. "The CPF is not a political party nor a political platform. The only thing we discuss here is crime, not our political party differences," said Mbatsha.
Five minutes was allocated to the voters so they could decide among themselves who should be nominated for which portfolio -as there had to be three nominees for each. The current executive will serve the office for the next three years. The commitee consists of the chairperson, Vuyani Kolisi, his deputy Pirywasen Ranchhod, Keletso Phohleli as the secretary, Carmel Booysen as the treasurer, Appollis Slingers is the community relations officer and additional members are Beverly Ramstad, Glenda Duffy and Vuyisile Mamkeli.
As the outgoing chairperson, Ramstad said, "I am very pleased with the outcome of the election and that there’s new blood in the commitee." Kolisi is very optimistic about the forum and his plan is to restructure the whole forum. " Instead of the eight people who usually attend the AGM, stakeholders will be invited to attend as well." He added that they want to mobilise youth structures to help reduce crime. "With the help of the police, we are planning to declare this year ‘Wafa Tsotsi’ where there will be patrols with the police in pursuing criminals. We will deal with the criminals accordingly," said Kolisi.
On Tuesday morning, the SAPS held a meeting to welcome the new forum to the police station. The meeting was chaired by station commissioner Director Morgan Govender. The commanders of different departments which will be useful to the CPF were also introduced. After the meeting, the new executive had their photos taken. "Group photos will be displayed in my office and the head-and-shoulder ones will be used in making identification cards for the new members," said Govender, "Also an office for the CPF will be available with all facilities that will make it easier to the CPF to work." Grahamstown cluster commander Director Vakala Moyake said, "CPF is about dedication, commitment, compromise and sacrifice. It takes some time but it is possible."
"We need to revive the community safety forum and also establish openness and transparency from the police," said Kolisi. "Also, I have a proposal that we establish street committees for each and every street," he added. Ramstad said, "This has been an interesting challenge, a rewarding experience. The CPF will support the police in what they do and so will the police. I am grateful for the cooperation of the police in the past years." In conclusion Ranchhod said, "I pledge that people who will not perform their duties properly be removed, even if it’s me."
