Madikane urges youngsters to join youth desk

Jumpas informal settlement resident Masande Madikane is the chairperson of the Cleveland Youth Crime Prevention Desk.

Madikane joined the youth desk in 2012.

“I joined the youth desk after I realised that crime was escalating in my community. I grew up seeing people robbing and committing a crime.

“As a child, I thought that was a way to live until I heard about the youth desk. I attended meetings and crime campaigns which made me realise that those who commit a crime, and those who beat up women and children, are living on the wrong side of the law.

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“I inquired about joining the youth desk until I was given a chance to volunteer. I would like to teach children about the dangers of crime and gender-based violence so that they can grow up knowing better than I did,” he said.

Madikane said he was inspired by Cleveland SAPS social crime prevention officer, Sgt Olga Munwana, and Cleveland Community Police Forum chairperson, Godfrey Mothibe, to become the person that he is today.

“Those people are always ready to assist the community with anything without any benefits. They do not expect anything in return when they provide help. Because of them, I don’t expect anything in return when I help other people,” he said.

His job as a chairperson is to inspire young people to keep volunteering and to do their best to build up society.

“There are very few youngsters who are interested in volunteering, but I hope to change their minds and get them to do something for their communities. My job requires so much patience because I always have to beg people to join and to do great things, but people always want money for everything they do. It’s not easy,” he said.

“I meet with other youth desk members during the events and at meetings. Seeing my peers also being involved in volunteer work inspires me. It makes me realise that I am not the only person who is longing for greatness.

“I have seen the team grow in numbers, and it makes me happy. Cleveland SAPS officers who participate in our meetings and our events inspire me to go the extra mile to reduce crime in my community,” he said.

Madikane matriculated in 2016.

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“Because I have always worked with the police, my dream was to become a law enforcement officer. After matric, I went to Lyceum College where I enrolled for a diploma in Road Traffic and Metropolitan Policing. I chose that qualification because I wanted to continue to take part in combating crime in my country.

“I only studied for one year at Lyceum College. I dropped out of the college immediately after getting a job. I had to take care of my family, so I chose the job instead of education, but I will still go back to study part-time and complete my qualification,” he said.