Midrand police and the Community Policing Forum hosted the fun day for community members to interact with community support structures.
Metro police’s initiative to get children to learn the rules of the road was a huge hit as children rode bicycles around a track with road markings. Once the children learnt the rules, they received a mini driver’s licence.
A high point, especially for boys who dream of being a firefighter, was the Emergency Service demonstration. Two community members, Matimba Maringa and Qhawe Mdodana, were selected to dress in firefighting gear, and, armed with a water hose, were told to pretend that a beacon was a burning house that they needed to put out. It took all of their strength to use the hoses, but they were soon smiling. Some children took the opportunity to cool down by running through the spray of the water.
Grade R pupils from Ikageng Creche in Ivory Park greeted the MMC of Public Safety, councillor Sello Lemao, with their hands on their hearts as they belted out the national anthem.
Lemao said the day was in line with the City’s growth and development strategy. He encouraged community members to engage with police officers, so they could champion their causes and keep the city safe.
Midrand Police Station commander Colonel Steven Moodley said, “There are two types of people in this world: the movers and shakers and the moaners and groaners. I want to be part of the movers and shakers to make a change, and I would like to see the police and community come together as one. The police are here to serve and protect you, and we appeal to you to work with the police to bring back the streets.”
A dog show by W&G, pony rides and feast of stalls to browse kept everyone busy and the atmosphere at the park buzzing.
Among the stakeholders of the day were Johannesburg Roads Agency, City of Johannesburg, City Parks, Waste Management, Pikitup, Takalami Sesame, Netcare, Midrand Child Welfare and Midrand Child Line.
