Newly elected Sector 1 forum ready to serve

Sector 1 Muldersdrift CPF forum elections started off with a change in venue amidst an already frustrated and disgruntled group of residents on 3 May.

The elections were set to be held at the police station in Muldersdrift but the size of the crowd and the need to observe Covid-19 regulations granted the space too small, and the elections were moved to Thusong Service Centre in Video informal settlement.

West Rand District Commissioner, Major General Fred Kekana started off the proceedings by reminding residents to diversify their nominations, and ensure that everyone was equally represented, including women. He clarified that the elections were not aligned with politics. “When you are elected to be in the sector forum, you are guided by the Constitution of Community Policing Forums in South Africa. Tonight we are only doing sector forum elections. It’s not CPF. CPF is the mother body. When we do nominations for sector forums, all structures and all areas which the police station covers must be represented.”

He said if the community is multi-cultural, the structure needs to reflect that. “It’s a multi-diverse area in terms of gender. You see, it’s boys choir only here,” he said referring to the current members. “It’s not a good thing; you were supposed to be seeing somebody who is of another gender. Therefore, when you do your nominations make sure you don’t only choose men. Choose people that will represent the community and society at large. Gender plays a critical role,” he addressed the resident.

Kekana reminded the community that being a part of the CPF is voluntary work and one gets no benefits by being a part of the organisation. A part of this volunteer work includes attending and participating in CPF meetings. Failure to attend a certain number of meetings without a valid reason will result in a person’s membership being disregarded. The people voted into the sector forum need to be willing and ready to work and serve the community. The nominated individual cannot have a criminal record, and must be a South African citizen. Background checks are conducted before the person serves.

The following people were voted in the respective positions:

Public relations officer – Skhumbuzo Zuma

Secretary – Georgia Dlamini

Deputy Secretary – Collins Kgomoeswana

Chairperson – Charles Mbewu

Vice Chairperson – Fred Vivier

Treasurer – Karina Becker

Ward 23 councillor, Molefi Selibo concluded the evening by thanking Muldersdrift for facilitating and the residents for their participation. He reminded the newly elected forum that their role was crucial in assisting the police’s fight against crime. “You will get support from the community. Thank you for making yourself available.”