People's Post Maitland | Woodstock - 8 December 2020

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WOODSTOCK | MAITLAND

TUESDAY 8 December 2020 | Tel: 021 910 6500 | Email: post@peoplespost.co.za | Website: www.peoplespost.co.za

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People’s Post

WOODSTOCK

U-Watch takes top spot KAYLYNNE BANTOM KAYLYNNE.BANTOM@MEDIA24.COM

M

embers of the U-Watch Neighbourhood Watch in Woodstock were crowned Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) Group of the Year at the City of Cape Town’s annual Neighbourhood Watch Awards ceremony held on Saturday 28 November. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, only two representatives from nominated NHWs physically attended the ceremony whilst their colleagues followed proceedings virtually. The awards recognise the work of community crime fighters through nominations from the public. U-Watch Neighbourhood Watch was awarded the top spot for achieving the goal of successfully coordinating WhatsApp group crime communication in Woodstock and surrounds. Cedric Thomas, U-Watch public relations officer, says the group is an accredited neighbourhood watch that has been in existence since 2003. He adds that the award is a massive motivation to the volunteers who selflessly offer their time to ensure the safety of their community. “We have managed to successfully coordinate WhatsApp groups which is our communication system for the various zones. We also work together with the police and the community.” Thomas says the dedicated members patrol 25 days per month. He says the award came as a surprise. “We had no idea we would win, we only knew we were nominated. But we are proud and grateful. It just goes to show what can be achieved if everyone works as a collective. This has definitely motivated us to continue the work we’re doing,” he says. The City handed over certificates and

Cedric Thomas receives an award at the City’s annual Neighbourhood Watch Awards ceremony on Saturday 28 November. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

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commendations to winners in 10 categories. Members from New Horizon in Pelican Park was awarded The Courage in Action award. Paul Kruger, from areas Panorama Kleinbosch, Welgelegen Plattekloof (PWP), and Theo Gallaway from Chrismar in Bellville jointly walked away with the NHW Member of the Year Award. Sharl Stander from Morgenster St. Michaels was crowned Crime Fighter of the Year while Saadiqah Ganief from New Horizon, Pelican Park was awarded the Courage in Action Award. Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith says he is proud of the well-oiled machine that neighbourhood watches have become. He adds that these residents understand the importance of active citizenship and exercise this daily through their selfless volunteer initiatives, all in the name of safety. “I am proud to be associated with the hundreds of volunteers who exhibit care, dedication and innovation in serving their communities and I stand behind them 100% in their efforts to make Cape Town safe for us all,” says Smith. He says the individual and group nominations were inspiring in demonstrating the transformative work that NHWs are doing. Smith says: “Be it a whistle blower campaign in Pelican Park and Grassy Park, coordinating WhatsApp group crime communication in Woodstock and surrounds or patrolling for hundreds of hours per month in Monte Vista, our neighbourhood watches are doing outstanding work and the City will continue to show our support to communities through training and providing equipment.” He says while the City’s awards are specifically aimed at accredited NHWs, they acknowledge the work done by those NHWs who are in the process of receiving accreditation from the provincial department of community safety. Smith says: “I want you to know that the City supports the work you do and that it is because of individuals and teams like you, that together we can make progress possible.” Thomas thanked members for their commitment and dedication.


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