Behind every police officer, security guard and first responder is a person who also needs someone to talk to, and Chaplain Stanton Jogannah has made it his mission to be that person.

An ordained reverend with 15 years of ministry experience, Jogannah provides voluntary spiritual care to Fairland SAPS, local security companies, first responders and residents.

Read more: Fairland dump site clean-up finally gets long-awaited green light

His work includes weekly prayer sessions at Fairland Police Station and a monthly community prayer gathering at Market Street Park, bringing first responders together to pause, pray and support one another.

What started with Jogannah, a station commander and a warrant officer, has grown over the past four years to include security companies, churches and members of the wider community.

The journey has not always been easy. Jogannah remembers considering giving up after months of trying to connect with police officers. Just as he was preparing to walk away, one officer approached him and asked: “Can I talk to you?”

That moment reinforced his belief that simply being present can make a difference.
He has since witnessed the struggles carried by first responders, including an officer who opened up to him after Jogannah sensed something was wrong during a prayer gathering.

Also read: Fairland residents fear unfinished gabions project collapse after contractors fail to return

“Most of them feel as if they’re alone,” he said. “They’re people just like us.”

Whether through prayer, spiritual counselling, family support, or simply listening, Jogannah’s message remains the same: people do not have to face life’s challenges alone.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates!