A fun-filled community day
Community safety group hold celebration of continued unity and success
What started as a simple neighbourhood patrol is now a community bond of strength and upliftment.
The fields of the Roodepoort Sports Complex were filled with traders, entrepreneurs and families for the first-ever Roodepoort ICE Community Market on October 30.
The day began with a colour run leaving market revelers in multi-coloured hues, signifying the growing unity and togetherness of the suburb. Thereafter, the day morphed into a celebration of the strides made in ridding their streets of criminality and rebuilding community values.
Roodepoort ICE is the younger offshoot of a movement that began as a two-street patrol in Florida almost nine years ago. The brand has expanded into multiple suburbs throughout Roodepoort and neighbouring areas, spurred on by the efforts of like-minded individuals.
The market featured several food stalls, homemade crafts and fun activities for children and their families.
“It’s their success, it is all a volunteer team effort. In some cases we have become the first port of call for those seeking assistance, and that is because we have passionate people involved within the community,” said ICE founder, Luqmaan Rahim.
Leading the Roodepoort ICE mission is Chairman Madidimalo ‘Papie’ Rakabe and Head of Operations, Faeez Rahim. “We are very excited that we have been able to take it to a different level. The community feedback has been outstanding and that tells we are on the right track,” said Papie. “He has a great vision for the area and he has the potential to be a community leader that transcends politics,” added Luqmaan.
The ICE brand has snowballed into much more than just a crime-fighting network, but has taken on social-work roles, feeding schemes, domestic-violence support, and helping people fight addiction. “Leaders create more leaders. It is not for everyone, it is a calling,” stated Luqmaan.
Never one to rest, Papie outlined the next steps, saying, “Short-term goals are to get more patrollers, reduce crime and protect the children. It is not only about crime but ensuring the lights are on, potholes are fixed, leaks are attended to and the suburb is restored to what it was.”
