A Grahamstown man is set to become the first person trained in a new project to create jobs and make the city streets safer.
A Grahamstown man is set to become the first person trained in a new project to create jobs and make the city streets safer.
Buyisile Goyi, a car guard, is currently in Port Elizabeth for security training as part of a project which aims to reduce petty theft in the streets and create employment.
Eugene Ripenz, of the Grahamstown Business Forum (GBF), said the forum recently discussed the beginning stages of a plan to train Grahamstown car guards as security personnel.
“Crime in the streets has been a problem for a while, so it’s been an ongoing problem, but at the same time there is a lot of unemployment," he said.
"You don’t want people to be out on the streets unemployed, we needed to create something positive rather than negative.”
During an informal chat recently, car guard Buyisile Goyi seemed excited about furthering his training as he has previously had some training in the security field. The hope is that once Goyi is done with the training, he will return and train others.
“The plan is just a trial, but ultimately the ideal solution is to give the car guards leadership," Ripenz said.
"We want the car guard system to be formalised so there can be a reduction in crime as well as prospective employment gain.” However, he said there will be restrictions on who is allowed on the programme.
“People with criminal records will not be eligible. There are a lot of car guards who are using it as a smokescreen to crime, we are trying to get rid of the ones with criminal intention and get the ones who want to work.”
Trained car guards will then ideally be hired by an accredited security company and can work in the security service. Ripenz said some members of the community, including from the municipality, businesses, social services, police and the general public have expressed a willingness to participate in the project.
“Ultimately we want safer streets and people who are empowered to perform the function of a car guard," he said.
"We want a safer environment and meaningful work.”
