The Bramley Sector 2 Community Police Forum (CPF) is doing things differently; it hosted its first external meeting at Inspire Furniture Rentals, hosted by the owner Chad Botha, in Wynberg on February 18.

The gathering signalled a new era of collaboration between local authorities and the private sector.

The primary highlight of the evening was the official announcement of the Bramley Business Initiative (BBI), introduced by Sector 2 CPF chairperson and business owner, Clinton Powys, as a strategic move to unify the area’s commercial interests.

Read more: Bramley Sector 2 CPF launches a business initiative to uplift the community

Powys explained, “BBI is designed to serve as a collective force for urban renewal, bringing diverse businesses together to pursue the shared goal of an improved local environment. By focusing on cleaner public spaces and enhanced street safety, the initiative aims to cultivate a vibrant, healthy economy.”

This collaborative framework is built on the belief that a well-maintained, secure precinct is essential to the prosperity of the companies operating there and the people who call Bramley home.

The chairperson noted that beyond economic growth, the BBI was committed to addressing the practical, day-to-day challenges faced by employees and locals within Sector 2.

“By fostering open communication and joint problem-solving, the initiative seeks to create a more resilient and attractive neighbourhood for all stakeholders. As the BBI gains momentum, it promises to bridge the gap between business interests and community welfare, ensuring a safer and more sustainable future for the Bramley area.”

Powys, who chaired the meeting, was alongside his deputy chairperson, Pamela Singh. He outlined major concerns that were shared with the CPF by Bramley SAPS before the end of last year.

“Poor streetlighting, overgrown grass, hijacked properties, and unsecured parks were mentioned. Another concern that was raised with JMPD’s Region E inspector was JMPD officers who sat in their vehicles and played on their cellphones, instead of being visible outside their cars.”

Also read: Parkview CPF builds on trust and cooperation to strengthen community safety

Another area of concern was Louis Botha Avenue, which had restaurants that operated without proper documentation.

“Last year, we engaged with JMPD and the environmental health department on this matter, which resulted in JMPD’s operation in November and dealt with four noisemakers in the neighbourhood that operated as clubs.”

Powys added that illegal street vendors were also a problem in the area.

“This year, we have asked JMPD to target businesses that were selling counterfeit goods, unvetted car dealerships and taverns.” Successes include JMPD’s operation, which led to a guest house that operated as a club without the proper documentation to do so.

Also, some parks in the area no longer shelter vagrants, and the grass has been cut.

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