As 2025 draws to a close, Rekord reached out to some of the stakeholders in the west of Pretoria for their takes on how the year went and their messages for residents heading into the festive period.

Ward 1 councillor Leon Kruyshaar shared his sentiments, saying that despite the challenges the ward has faced, the residents’ unity has been commendable.

“As we approach the festive season, I would like to extend warm wishes to all residents of Ward 1 for a joyful and peaceful holiday season. May this time bring rest, connection and renewed energy.

Serving as your ward councillor this past year has been an honour. Despite the challenges faced by our community, the resilience and unity of Ward 1 have been unmistakable. From Daspoort to Suiderberg, and from Booysens to Roseville, it has been a privilege to represent your concerns and aspirations in municipal matters,” Kruyshaar said.

Reflecting on the year, Kruyshaar highlighted the progress made in infrastructure improvements, public safety initiatives and community development efforts.

He said there remains more to do and that he is committed to serving Ward 1 with dedication.

“Ward 1 is a vibrant community, consisting of: Daspoort, Booysens, Pretoria Gardens, Mountain View, Hermanstad, Capital Park, Eloffsdal, Les Marais, Roseville and Suiderberg. I am proud to call this community my home, and I look forward to continuing the work needed to make Ward 1 an even better place to live, work and thrive. As we close the year, I offer my sincere gratitude for your support and trust. May 2026 bring renewed hope, opportunity and prosperity for us all,” Kruyshaar said.

Ward 54 councillor Elma Nel encouraged residents to join the WhatsApp group to create a stronger sense of community and stay in touch with the happenings of the ward.

“[It] was certainly an eventful year with exceptional highs and, unfortunately, some untimely lows; however, we are grateful for lessons learnt. As a ward, we have definitely grown, and the community WhatsApp groups are utilised to turn strangers into friends during a time of unstable service delivery, where we need to stand together stronger than ever before. Thank you for your contribution to making 2025 meaningful. Wishing you a joyful Christmas and a thriving 2026,” Nel said.

Pretoria West Police station commander Colonel Margaret Nkwane urged residents to practice safe spending as the year draws to a close and bonuses are paid.

“Criminals find this to be an opportune time to strike unsuspecting victims.

“There are many scams of half prices or discounted items online, and we want to plead with the community at large to be cautious about what they purchase online or through the Facebook Marketplace.

“Furthermore, we’d like to warn motorists about the hijackings happening around our area,” she said.

Nkwane said they are ‘trying their level best to fight off this crime’. She pleaded with motorists to “avoid stopping in places they’re not familiar with or driving or parking at night, where the places are quiet, as they will be easily targeted by the hijackers”.

She also reminded victims of hijacked vehicles to report when they are contacted to make payment via Shoprite Money Market or any form of EFT for the recovery of their vehicles.

“Any officer requesting money to release a hijacked vehicle is a bogus police officer.”

Residents are urged to also avoid scammers offering half prices at malls for certain items, as well as false religious prophets accosting you on the streets.

“Never carry a large amount of money while walking around.

“Those receiving year-end stokvels must avoid sharing such information with everyone, as this also attracts criminals who follow you around or come into your homes to rob you of those cheque bonuses or pay-outs,” she advised.

“Stay blessed, safe, and for those going away, have a good relationship with your neighbours to always check that all is well in your home to avoid house break-ins,” Nkwane said.

Sergeant Dikeledi Bopape of the Hercules Police Station urged residents to sensitise them about online scams and to make sure that they don’t leave their house unattended or to someone to look after. “Drunk driving will not be tolerated,” he added.

OPS Co-ordinator for the Hercules CPF Sector 2, Johan Cloete, wished all residents a safe return from the holidays and thanked them for their support throughout the year.

“On behalf of the management team of the Hercules CPF Sector 2, we would like to express our sincere appreciation for your co-operation, support, and involvement throughout the year. Your vigilance, participation in community initiatives, and willingness to work together have made a noticeable difference to the safety and well-being of our sector. We value every resident who contributes their time and effort to help make our neighbourhood a safer and more united community,” Cloete said.

He further wished each resident and their families a blessed and peaceful Christmas, and a prosperous, safe, and successful New Year.

“May this time be filled with peace, joy, and protection for you and your loved ones. We look forward to continuing our collaboration in the coming year with residents, the HCPF, and SAPS as we work together to enhance safety and strengthen community relations,” Cloete said.

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