Sandy Andrew steps down
RANDBURG – Randburg residents bid farewell to a formidable woman.
Sandy Andrew said her final goodbyes and farewells to the Randburg Community Policing Forum.
This Edinburgh (Scotland) descendant has changed the face of Randburg in her various capacities for the last 15 years, but is now stepping down as the Randburg CPF chairperson.
“I always loved Randburg, the property prices were good and I made it my home.”
Andrew became involved in the community and from there the Randburg CPF.
Her first position was the public relations officer of the CPF. However, during a brief illness period where she combated cervical cancer, Andrew took a break from the CPF. The then Randburg SAPS station commander, Brigadier Lettie Hugo convinced her to attend a small meeting, which motivated her to get back on the proverbial horse. “Before I knew it I was the chairperson of the CPF and I haven’t looked back since,” added Andrew.
Her role was not without its obstacles. In her own words Andrew recounted how, “there wasn’t a CPF when I took over the position.”
She commented that the infrastructure to build a relationship between the SAPS and the community was not sufficient. She used her skills to motivate and pull together a committee of volunteers to reclaim their suburbs. “Pulling it all together meant I had to step on a lot of toes and be consistent, earning the title ‘The B*/-h of Randburg’. I must say the name was usually accompanied by a smile and a hug.”
Randburg SAPS acting Station Commander Colonel Andries Odendaal said, “We are sad that we are losing her, she has done a lot as CPF chairperson for Randburg CPF, she was involved in many projects, sitting in many forums and committees, that were working in conjunction with the police to address crime, to improve service delivery in Randburg.”
One thing, she said, will never leave her memory – how fantastic she found Randburg SAPS to be.
“They are truly extraordinary and are a great example to the community.”
After two-and-a-half jam-packed years helping the community as CPF chairperson, Andrew helped clean the Randburg Magistrates’ Court, drive the campaign Break the Shame and tidy Randburg Police Station, to name a few.
“My life has been one big coincidence after the other.” She has always been a fond writer and will now take this up as a profession.
Col Odendaal added, “We are very thankful for the time and energy she spent toward a commendable course.”
Andrew said, “I want to leave a legacy that earns me my oxygen on earth.” She stressed that the position of chairperson is a full-time job but is confident that the person who fills the role will be well equipped.
“The deputy chairperson Lance Porter has taken over from her for the time being and arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth take-over, with the strong remaining CPF committee, we believe that we will continue to work together closely, and we wish her all the best in her personal life on the way forward,” said Col Odendaal.
Details: Sandy Andrew sandyandrewcomms@gmail.com
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