Midrand Suburban Alliance hosts successful AGM in President Park
Semsa hopes to get a court interdict that will prevent land grabbers from invading any land in the three suburbs they represent.
The Southeast Midrand Suburban Alliance (Semsa), formerly President Park Residents Association (PPRA), hopes to target land invasion and crime-related issues in the area for this financial year.
Semsa represents suburbs such as President Park, Austin View and Glen Austin Ext 3.
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In a recently held AGM on April 6, at The Bikers’ Church in President Park, Kobashan Naidoo was elected as the chairperson taking over from Miguel Assis, who requested not to stand for the position again. Naidoo will be assisted by Thabo Moorosi as a deputy chairperson while Reshma Somaroo and Sphiwe Msimango were elected as secretary and deputy secretary, respectively.
Gary Griffith will serve the alliance group as a treasurer and will share roles with Gary Vipond as his deputy. In the department of security and safety, Robin Ransley was voted as head and will be assisted by Fransisco Panaino, to try clamp down crime activities in the area. PR and fundraising will be under Thembonkosi Khumalo, while community development and municipal engagement will be attended to by Alex Katete and assisted by Florence Mnisi.
Speaking at the AGM, Somarro said this year they want to deal with land invasions and crime issues that have plagued some suburbs under the group.
“We want to implement visible patrolling in the community to enhance safety, and also implement a community CCTV project to monitor and deter criminal activities. We will advocate for improved street lighting to enhance visibility and security in the area.”
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She said they also need to work together as a community to maintain and beautify verges to eliminate spaces for criminals to hide as well as contribute to a safer and more aesthetically pleasing environment.
Somaroo said the community needed to counter land invasion and protect community resources and safety through the three pronged strategy.
She said it will be imperative for residents to raise funds and obtain an interdict that protected the whole area from invasion, thereby removing the need for individuals’ property.
Related article: President Park clean-up initiative continues to tackle litter in the neighbourhood
