Brakpan North resident Mpho Sindane (22) is the new public relations officer for the Brakpan SAPS Youth Crime Prevention Desk (YCPD).
The Brakpan High School alumna is studying for a diploma in public relations through Unisa.
• How did you get involved with the YCPD?
I got involved through someone I know who informed me they were recruiting young people. I joined after getting more information about what the YCPD entails.
• What is the purpose of the YCPD?
To encourage and enable young people to actively participate in identifying the causes of youth crime and violence, and to collaborate with relevant stakeholders in creating social crime prevention strategies in their communities.
• Is the YCPD important in the fight against crime? Why?
Young people are the key target groups, as both victims and perpetrators of crime.
Through the programme the youth are empowered and equipped with knowledge and skills that will help them make better life choices and seek to be the change they want to see in their communities and the world.
This will free them from the ‘trap’ of falling into the life of crime.
• What do you think is the solution to South Africa’s crime problem?
Working in unity for the common goal of creating a safer future for all citizens.
This means all citizens should be actively involved in their communities and work with law enforcement in addressing and resolving the root causes of crime.
Citizens could do that by joining programmes such as YCPDs or CPFs or even establishing new NPOs and NGOs that will address specific community safety needs.
• Do you have any hobbies or special interests?
Creating YouTube videos for my channel which is about having fun and encouraging conversations that are centred on growth and personal development in all areas of our lives as young people.
• What is the biggest challenge facing the youth today?
Unemployment.
• Who or what inspires you?
My faith inspires me to be better, do better and live better.
• How would you describe yourself?
Lively, purpose-driven, friendly and fun to be around.
• What is your greatest concern for this community? What do you see as its greatest needs?
My greatest concern is substance abuse. I believe substance abuse, although not the only root cause, directly correlates to the rate of homelessness and crime in our community.
Our greatest community needs, I believe, are centred around accessibility.
We have a number of abandoned buildings that I believe could be utilised as skills development centres, rehabilitation centres and homeless shelters so that people do not have to to be homeless and resort to a life of drugs and crime.
Through community upliftment we can create a safer and more thriving community with better quality of living for all residents.
• How can young people join the YCPD?
Step 1: Bring a copy of your ID, two ID photos (which can be brought at a later stage), fill in the CPF form and have your fingerprints taken at the Brakpan Police Station.
This can be done by setting up an appointment through our social media platforms: @BrakpanYouthCrimePrevention on Facebook and @_youth_desk on Instagram.
Step 2: Fill in the YCPD form (then you will be an official member).
Step 3: Attend level one mandatory CPF training (dates are announced). Transport can be organised by SAPS if the venue is in another town.
• What is your advice to young people caught up in a life of crime?
You still have a chance to choose to walk away. Take responsibility for your choices and start taking small steps towards creating a better future for yourself because your background and circumstances that forced you into a life of crime do not determine your future.
Find out about programmes and opportunities that can help rehabilitate you, develop you and equip you with skills that will empower you in your journey to becoming a better you.
Have a story?
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Thelma Koorts (editor) brakpanherald@caxton.co.za
or Stacy Slatter (news editor) stacys@caxton.co.za
or Miné Fourie (journalist) minev@caxton.co.za
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