VIDEO: First-ever Youth Day Summit held in Sunninghill
SUNNINGHILL – The first-ever Youth Day Summit, organised by Sandton police and other stakeholders, was a rousing success when it was held at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Sunninghill on 16 June.
The first-ever Youth Day Summit, organised by officers from the Sandton Police Station and other stakeholders, was held on 16 June this year.
The event took place at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Sunninghill and not only commemorated the 1976 Soweto uprising when students protested against the Bantu Education Act, but also aimed to get young people and their families mobilised in the fight against crime in the area. It was also a chance to raise awareness about law enforcement and issues in the area.
“Today’s event came about due to a partnership between government, faith organisations and social crime prevention,” explained Constable Ovuwa Ramafamba of the Sandton Police Station, who played a big part in organising the day and who along with her colleagues handed out 500 tickets to youngsters in the area for the day.
“If we say we care about the nation, then we have to care about the nation’s children.
“I’m very happy about how [the summit] has turned out. It’s wonderful to see the teamwork that made today possible and I know with this kind of teamwork we’ll go far. I’m also happy that the community came to support us, which is so great.”
Officers from the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), the Pathfinder’s Adventure Club (a children’s group which is part of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church), religious leaders and over 500 youngsters from the surrounding areas were in attendance. A number of stalls were set up for attendees to learn more about the JMPD, the South African Human Rights Commission, the Sandton Community Policing Forum (CPF) and also get free HIV testing.
The festivities began with a drill display featuring the JMPD band, the 50 or so Pathfinders present and children who marched while carrying signs, and the day ended with a display from the JMPD equestrian unit.
Ramafamba also told the Fourways Review that another summit will be held again next year. Her co-organiser and member of the Sandton CPF, Louise Agar, hoped that attendees enjoyed their day and learned something from the experience.
“I’m very excited to see today come together,” she said.
“I hope today makes people aware of law enforcement in the area, and encourages young people to become law abiding citizens.”
Details: You can check out the Sandton CPF Facebook page.
