Uplifting the community
MSAWAWA – Members of the Douglasdale Police Social Upliftment Unit made their way to Msawawa, an informal settlement situated on the outskirts of Farmall, to assist families affected by a fire that occurred two months ago.
Paint and brushes in hand, members of the unit repainted the newly-built shacks, adding a dash of colour to the gloomy area.
Douglasdale Police Station commander Brigadier Lettie Hugo said, “We just want to show the Msawawa community that we care.”
According to Sugar Phalanndwa, a community leader, about 19 shacks burnt down after a fire swept through the area. “Two people were hurt in the fire and one person is still in hospital,” he said.
Hugo applauded the Msawawa community for their resilience and for rebuilding their homes.
Laco Nthlane, chairman of the Douglasdale Sector 2 Community Policing Forum, who also took time to be with the community, said the aim was to relieve families that had been affected by the fire by helping out where they could.
Co-ordinator of the project, Sergeant Nicholus Mokwena said, “As part of Mandela Day we would like to continue with 67 minutes for Mandela Day the whole month.”
Addressing the community, Colonel Daniel Malatjie said it was an honour serving those that needed it most. “The best way to honour our former president is by doing something for those most in need,” he said.
Alex Bedu, an owner of one of the houses destroyed in the fire said, “I am extremely thankful, the police’s gesture gives us a lot of hope.”
The police also donated clothing to the community.
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