Primrose Youth Crime Prevention Desk starts the year with outreach programme
"This year, we intend to strengthen our partnerships with stakeholders."
The Primrose Youth Crime Prevention Desk has kicked off the new year with a series of community and school events aimed at raising awareness and promoting safety.
The initiatives include school talks, searches, and crime awareness campaigns designed to engage both students and the wider public.
On January 23, the Youth Desk began a school road tour, visiting local primary and high schools to introduce their mission and foster collaboration with educational institutions.
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Crime prevention coordinator Styles Maome encouraged students to steer clear of bullying, crime, and drug use on school grounds.
Adil Bingle, chairperson of the Youth Desk, shared his vision for the year, reflecting on the challenges faced in 2023.
He noted the profound impact of the death of long-serving member Raisibe ‘Granny’ Ramorulane, a Gauteng traffic warden who had been an integral part of the Youth Desk’s community efforts.
“Her passing left a hole in our hearts. She was dedicated to serving the community, and we will miss her deeply,” Bingle said.
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Looking ahead, Bingle emphasized the importance of community support in fulfilling the desk’s mission.
“We act as the ears and eyes of the police, and everything we do is voluntary. Our focus is on raising awareness about social issues affecting youth, such as teen pregnancy, drug addiction, and crime,” he explained.
Bingle also appealed to young people to join the Desk and contribute to community service.
“We need dedicated youth to help us address gender-based violence, youth criminality, and health-related issues.
This year, we plan to strengthen partnerships with local stakeholders and continue our collaboration with the City of Ekurhuleni’s Drug Action Committee to promote a drug-free society.”
Despite challenges such as low attendance and lack of commitment in the previous year, Bingle expressed optimism for 2024.
“This year, we’re growing stronger. We have plans to recruit more youth from schools, focusing on those who aspire to create change in Primrose,” he said.
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The desk also aims to organise sports tournaments and other community projects to combat crime.
To wrap up the year, the Youth Desk hosted a successful year-end function at Waters Edge Estate, celebrating the dedication of its members.
“Our community is diverse and complex. As young people, we can’t do it alone—we need the support of the entire community behind us,” Bingle said.
