Ward councillors, security companies, and community policing representatives in Centurion are sending warm festive wishes to residents, reflecting on a challenging yet rewarding 2025, and looking forward to the new year with hope, collaboration, and safety at the forefront.

Ward 69 councillor Cindy Billson expressed deep gratitude for the patience and resilience of her community.

“This year has demanded a great deal from our community, and I want to extend my deepest appreciation to every resident for your patience, resilience, and willingness to work together.

“My sincere festive wish is that every household finds moments of rest, connection, and joy this holiday season, and that our community enters 2026 with renewed strength and hope,” she said.

Billson encouraged residents to enjoy the festive season safely, stay vigilant on the roads, and continue supporting one another during periods when municipal services are under pressure.

“Despite electricity infrastructure failures, stormwater challenges, vandalism, and waste-management frustrations, residents consistently stepped up to help, inform, and support each other. That resilience has been at the heart of every achievement this year,” she said.

Looking ahead, Billson highlighted continued efforts in streetlight restoration, electrical infrastructure strengthening, stormwater and road maintenance, community gardens, recycling initiatives, and improved communication on municipal matters.

She emphasised that transparency and collaboration remain essential in local governance.

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

In Lyttelton, PR councillor Wesley Jacobs wished residents a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

“A new year, with a new ward councillor, will reignite hope and instil a brighter future for the ward, ultimately making Lyttelton great again.”

He urged residents to respect the rules, remain mindful on the roads, and exercise caution.

“My goal is to keep hospitals as empty as realistically possible. There will be zero tolerance for drinking and driving, and I will personally be involved in roadblocks alongside TMPD to ensure residents and visitors are safe,” he said.

Looking forward to 2026, Jacobs highlighted plans to address illegal settlements and rehabilitate sinkhole-affected streets, while noting that the most rewarding part of his year was hearing from residents about tangible improvements in service delivery.

“If you want change, be the change. Always leave something in a better condition than you found it,” added Jacobs.

Ward 48 councillor Alta de Kock encouraged residents to enjoy peaceful family time, rest, and spread love during the festive season.

“Spend time with your loved ones. That is the most important part of Christmas,” she said.

She also urged vigilance, advising residents to check on their neighbours and report anything unusual while travelling or at home.

“The most rewarding aspect of serving the community this year was all the love and thank-yous I received, especially earlier this year when there was that huge power outage that lasted for days due to the blaze at the Brakfontein substation. The support of the community is awesome.”

De Kock highlighted ongoing streetlight initiatives and encouraged residents to remain proactive in keeping their neighbourhoods safe.

The general manager of Monitor Net, Paul Gerber, conveyed warm festive wishes to Centurion residents, encouraging joy, rest, and connection with loved ones while prioritising safety.

“Situational awareness is the golden rule. Be aware of your surroundings and the people near you, and ensure that the only surprises this Christmas will be the ones under the tree,” he said.

He added that in the upcoming year, Monitor Net aims to strengthen partnerships with SAPS, CPFs, local authorities, and neighbourhood groups while deploying advanced security technology, including CCTV and licence plate recognition systems.

Gerber also highlighted the expansion of Community Upliftment Programs (CUPs) in collaboration with the city, noting their impact on crime prevention, infrastructure maintenance, and municipal service support.

The executive of Wierdabrug CPF, Daniel van Rooyen, urged residents to prioritise safety and property security during the festive season, especially as crime tends to rise at this time.

Reflecting on 2025, he noted challenges such as recruiting new CPF members and addressing unregulated community groups performing similar work.

He stated that successes included improving communication with the Wierdabrug SAPS station, repainting the CPF station interior, and reducing crime in the precinct.

“The most rewarding part of my role was helping residents during incidents and receiving heartfelt thanks.”

Plans for 2026 include unifying patroller appearances, empowering patrollers through training, and increasing community involvement in CPF initiatives.

“I encourage residents to know their neighbours, secure their homes, and stay alert,” he advised.

He emphasised that community vigilance is key to a safer neighbourhood.

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