West councillors and the community policing forum (CPF) have extended their heartfelt gratitude to the community for their resilience and strength throughout the year.
Ward 71 councillor Mmakgoko Veron Phasha expressed his appreciation for residents in his ward, noting that it has not been an easy year for them.
“I want to take this moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for my residents’ resilience and strength this year,” he said.
He urged locals to prioritise their safety and well-being, especially during travels.
Phasha added that his ward should also unite to support vulnerable individuals and spread the festive cheer.
He thanked key workers and community volunteers for their unwavering support and dedication.
In Ward 71, various initiatives have been implemented to foster community spirit.
“We have cultural events, traditional music, dance performances, holiday food drives and multicultural holiday celebrations,” said Phasha.
Image: Supplied
Phasha hopes and wishes for his community to have abundant economic growth and jobs for everyone in 2025.
“However, I acknowledge the burning issues of drug abuse, high unemployment and illegal foreign businesses that feed poisonous foods to children.”
Phasha hopes to resolve these issues in the new year.
Councillor for Ward 54, Elma Nel, said she is excited about 2025.
She added that Ward 54 municipal WhatsApp groups will remain active throughout the holiday season for any municipal matters.
“Before Christmas, we will have a community braai at Wonderboom Lapa to enable residents to connect.”
Nel shared that the biggest highlight of 2024 for her was the birth of baby Mathew within their community.
“I’m wishing every resident a happy and safe festive season, and if you are travelling my prayers are for you to return home safely,” she said.
Image: Supplied
Sector 2 CPF co-ordinator Johan Cloete said it’s important for locals to stay vigilant and safe during the festive season so that criminals do not prey on them.
He said the highlight for this year was the arrest of the most wanted criminals in Hercules.
To combat crime during the holidays, Cloete added, they will be increasing patrols at shopping malls and in the streets at night.
“Locals should always lock their car doors before leaving the parking lot,” urged Cloete.
“We also will have awareness campaigns, including a walk against GBV on November 23 and increased patrols in shopping malls.”
He added that in conjunction with the police, they will be launching Arrive Alive campaigns on November 30.
Cloete said residents should report to their sector CPF before going on holiday.
“The CPF will keep an eye on the property.”
Mokagane Kgomo from Sector 1 CPF encouraged residents to relax, be cautious with spending and organise small gatherings to ensure a safe and enjoyable festive season.
Kgomo reminded locals to lock up all their belongings and ask neighbours or security companies to look after their property.
“More patrollers, police officers, Gauteng wardens and patrollers will be deployed in the community and malls to ensure safety,” said Kgomo.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
