The Umbilo CPF has elected Umbilo resident Sicelo Sibiya as its new chairperson following a Special General Meeting (SGM).

Umbilo CPF said the SGM was convened last night (July 23) after formal requests were submitted by Umbilo CPF Sub-Forums 1 and 3 calling for the removal of the previous chairperson, Calvin Thomas.

“The requests raised various concerns relating to his leadership and the working relationship between the CPF executive and its sub-forums. In accordance with the Umbilo CPF Constitution, the SGM provided members and recognised community stakeholders with an opportunity to consider the motion and elect a chairperson to serve for the remainder of the current executive committee’s term,” the forum said.

Umbilo SAPS Station Commander Colonel Mpumelelo Khumalo said, “The station has worked well with the CPF, and we look forward to working with the newly elected chairperson.” She thanked Thomas for his service to the CPF and wished him well for the future.

Constable Brandin Naidoo, Umbilo SAPS community liaison, said the SGM was conducted in accordance with the CPF constitution and provided an important mechanism through which members and stakeholders could hold the organisation and its leadership accountable.

He said the meeting and election process were facilitated by an independent official to promote fairness and confidence in the outcome.

Also read: Umbilo CPF: No confidence vote ousts committee

Meanwhile, Sibiya said he was humbled to have been entrusted with the responsibility of representing the Umbilo CPF as its chairperson.

“I look forward to engaging with the community, private security companies, community organisations and the police as we work together to improve safety across the Umbilo policing area,” he said.

“The CPF must continue to serve the community. I thank all CPF volunteers who dedicate their time to attending meetings, conducting patrols and helping to build a safer and stronger community.”

The Umbilo CPF thanked all registered members and stakeholders who participated in the SGM and committed itself to ensuring an orderly transition and the continued functioning of the forum and its sub-forums.

Comment from Thomas has not been received at the time of publishing.

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