Thembisa Shologu
As part of the Women Month celebrations- the Gauteng Department of Community Safety has recognized the major role female community patrollers play in the fight against crime throughout the province.
On Tuesday 18 August, the MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko honoured 120 female community patrollers at an event that was meant to acknowledge women's outstanding contribution in improving the safety and security of Gauteng citizens.
Community patrollers are the first line of defence and a force multiplier in ensuring that the streets and homes are safe at all times.
"God took his time when he created women and made sure that women are unique and their characteristics differ from men, hence we pay tribute to you, today by giving you a small token of appreciation. "It's not much, but with this, we are saying we appreciate the wonderful work that you are doing. Waking up early in the morning and going to bed late at night and at times you don't even sleep at all ensuing that our communities are safe," said MEC Mazibuko.
With the country moving to lockdown level 2, on Tuesday, Mazibuko said more patrollers were going to be called to assist with ensuring compliance with regulations and adherence to the Disaster Management Act. "Shebeens are opening, bottles stores are opening, the cigarette ban lifted, and almost all economic activities have resumed, meaning your responsibilities are going to increase now," said MEC Mazibuko.
She thanked the patrollers for the work they continue to do in ensuring that Gauteng residents are safe amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We forever remember you, we forever recognize your role, we forever recognize your responsibilities and we celebrate the wonderful work that you do. Keep up the wonderful work," she said.
Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Safety at West Rand said: "You are the face of crime prevention, your work inspires us and you have our full support".