Central residents enjoy Valentine’s Day
Members of the TMPD, SAPS and supporting role players hosted a parade march from Church Square to Sammy Marks.
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, Rekord took to the CBD streets to see how locals were spending it and to get a sense of what it meant to them.
Members of the Tshwane metro police (TMPD), SAPS, the Gauteng traffic department and other stakeholders held a blood drive and a 2km parade walk through the streets to spread the love.
TMPD chief of police, Commissioner Yolanda Faro says that the effort was organised to ensure that blood supplies are enough for Easter.
“Easter is in just over of month and we know there’s a lot of carnage on our roads at that time and people will need blood, whether it’s pedestrians, motorists or officers on duty. On February 14, we as officers decided instead of giving red roses we want to give red blood to the victims of crime and road accidents,” Faro said.
“You can give flowers and in a day or two they die but we are giving blood so it can give life. So from us at the TMPD we want to challenge other law enforcement agencies, emergency services and alike to join the fight to ensure by Easter there will be enough blood at hospitals.”
The men and women in blue gathered at Church Square and proceeded to march to the SANBS blood bank at Sammy Marks clinic for the blood drive. The march was a hive of activity with the marching band playing and a heavy police presence making the red day blue.
Sunnyside police commander Brigadier Mathidiso Kgoadi said that her station was grateful to be part of the occasion and thanked the metro for going forward with it. “This was the brainchild of Faro and it’s one that we’re honoured to be a part of, we are so grateful to be helping out and saving lives,” Kgoadi said.
Clinic supervisor Virgina Raseroka encouraged residents to also donate as stock is running low.
“We appreciate the effort made by the metro police and partners as our blood stocks are extremely low, we appreciate the cause that the police have done today. It shows the community that this is serious and lives have to be saved at hospitals and clinics,” Raseroka said.
What locals had to say about Valentine’s Day
“It’s just a day where me and my loved one(s) can express our love for each other. People are busy, but it’s the one day where you have to show your partner or loved one that you care about them no matter what, it holds that sentimental value. It should carry on because if it’s not there, some people will just forget to appreciate their partner. There are some loveable women in relationships with clueless men and this day reminds them to appreciate what they have,” said Boston Media House student, Alliyah Mothlaga.
“Having grown up in the City of Tshwane, the landmarks of Valentine’s Day mostly would be Sterland/Sterkinokor and the Union Buildings. Normally you’d find us lovers and friends hanging around the block and as many as we can be. This day would bring people from Kasi and nearby areas into town. It should remain a memorable day,” said Arcadia artist, Bruce Bowale.
“Even in this day and age, Valentine’s Day transcends time, and it is the perfect day to celebrate our evolving love. Even after three decades of marriage, it serves as a beautiful reminder for us to celebrate our enduring romance, and love for each other, which has only deepened with each passing year,” said ward 59 councillor Shaun Wilkinson, who has been married to his wife, Cheryl since 1993.
“It’s the little acts of love that keep the love alive. Bringing coffee in the morning, making sure your phone is charged, loving your sense of humour and laughing at all your jokes. My favourite takeaway cappuccino is transported home, your spontaneous cooking and baking sessions when I don’t feel inspired and always, always making me feel loved,” Cheryl said of her husband.
Arcadia CID manager and LGTBQIA+ member, Catherine Keyworth said: “I adore love! I love feeling special but celebrate love every single day. Some people need a bit of motivation like a formal holiday but for me, love is every day. Love is respect. Love is being kind and sometimes love is picking up bread on your way home after a long day of work. Love is between friends and romantic partners – it’s only a relevant holiday if you live to love the other 364 days.”
Keyworth and her partner will be celebrating their 20th anniversary next week.
“In the LGBTQI community, considering the first participants of the first Gay Pride in RSA had to wear bags over their heads to protect their identity – a bar of chocolate or a flower is the least we can do to carve a space for ourselves and loved ones. Remember LGBTQI love is punishable by death in many countries – even in Africa,” Keyworth said.
“I think it’s a chance to show appreciation and affection for your loved ones while creating memories, it can be as simple as spending time. It shouldn’t be a one-day thing, you should be able to show your loved one(s) that they matter to you. Love has no limitation, it comes naturally, you don’t wait for the 14th of February but it is a significant day on the calendar to express that love,” said TUT student, Pamela Morare.
Rekord also reached out to local life and relationship coach, Bernice Seriba of the Pertinacity Counselling Centre, in Hatfield.
“Couples have the responsibility to ensure that they are on par with what they expect from the relationship. Valentine’s Day is not just about the exchanging of gifts, it’s about how have you shown kindness and appreciation through the relationship,” Seriba said.
“People often make that mistake. Simply buying flowers may not be a good idea, your partner may not want to have roses or gifts. Speak to them, have you taken time to know your partner? If they love writing, maybe a journal will do, if they love animals, maybe a trip to the zoo will work. Take the time to know and understand your partner, don’t simply take the easy way out, show up and show your significant other your appreciation of them.”
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