What began as a meeting attended by just a handful of residents has steadily grown into a platform where neighbours are finding a collective voice to address the challenges facing their communities.

Residents from Greymont, Albertsville, Albertkroon, Newlands and surrounding areas gathered at the Church of the Nazarene in Albertville on July 4 for the monthly Sophiatown Community Police Forum (CPF) Sector 4 Subsector meeting.

Read more: Sophiatown Sector 4 residents unite to tackle long-standing neighbourhood challenges

The gathering reflected a growing sense of community ownership, with attendees discussing local concerns ranging from service delivery and urban decay to safety and neighbourhood well-being.

Chairperson of CPF Subsector 4, Sheryl Hodgkins, who has lived in Greymont for more than 30 years, said the increase in attendance has been encouraging. “When we first started, only about three people were attending these meetings. Today we had more than 20,” she said.

For Hodgkins, the growing turnout shows that residents care deeply about the future of their neighbourhoods. “It tells us that the community is concerned about what is happening within our suburbs and that we really want to stand together to improve our areas and make sure that issues are followed through.”

She believes stronger community participation is essential if residents hope to see lasting improvements.

“The more we stand together, the stronger our voices become. We all want communities where people can live peacefully, where children can grow up safely, and where municipalities deliver the services residents pay for.”

Hodgkins acknowledged that many of the issues raised have existed for years, leaving some residents frustrated by the slow pace of progress.

“Sometimes it feels like we’re hitting our heads against a brick wall because there are so many processes to work through and nobody seems to take responsibility. But if we continue standing together and engaging the right people within the relevant structures, we have a better chance of seeing these issues addressed.”

She added that active residents play a vital role in preventing neighbourhoods from falling into neglect. “It takes a community to build a beautiful place to live.”

Sector 4 Manager at Sophiatown Police Station, Sergeant Benneth Maluleke, also welcomed the increased participation, describing it as a sign that residents are becoming more involved in finding solutions to local challenges.

Also read: Albertsville and Albertskroon residents let police know about their concerns at community meeting

He attributed much of the growth to improved communication through community WhatsApp groups, where residents share concerns and receive information about upcoming meetings.

“People are coming because they want assistance with the issues they are facing. They realise that by getting involved with the police and the CPF, they have a platform where their concerns can be heard.”

Rather than viewing the growing attendance as a challenge, Maluleke said it motivates him. “It gives me courage because it shows that people trust me as their sector manager. It gives me the energy to assist wherever I can.”

As attendance continues to grow, organisers have adapted by partnering with churches and schools to provide suitable indoor venues, especially during winter.

“We need places where people can sit comfortably, where minutes can be taken properly and where everyone can participate, especially our elderly residents,” Maluleke explained.

He encouraged more residents to attend future meetings, emphasising that community concerns can only be addressed when they are raised collectively.
“If people stay at home and only discuss problems among themselves, those issues go nowhere.

These meetings allow residents to bring concerns forward so that together we can find solutions and ensure they are escalated through the proper channels.”

As Sector 4 meetings continue to attract more residents, organisers hope the growing sense of unity will translate into meaningful action, creating neighbourhoods where safety, accountability and community pride go hand in hand.

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