Manenberg police have celebrated 100 women of influence in honour of Women’s Month.
The event held on Wednesday 14 August at Phoenix High School saw women who have had an impact on the community, and more specifically the communities linked to the Manenberg policing precinct, come together.
These women are attached to community organisations and the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU, metro police, traffic services and law enforcement, the victim support unit, community policing forum, police band, mothers of the police junior commissioners, Chyssalis, a local adoption agency, kitchen staff and even four journalists who all present as inspirations to the community.
“This is about encouraging other women to look out for each other.
“In our communities, you find women look down on one another,” says police spokesperson, Capt Ian Bennett.
“Women have had an impact on my own life and career,” he continues.
Retired former police station commander Brig Sanele Zama also attended the event to hand over certificates and small gifts to the 100 women.
Zama paid tribute to his mother. He said she pushed him to pursue his dreams. He shared how her mother’s encouragement propelled him to a brigadier.
Pastor Vernon Visage, chair of the Manenberg Community Policing Forum (CPF), opened the event with a prayer. He also offered some words of encouragement to the women.
Following a quote he had read about women discussing the hiding of their emotions to get things done, he said: “Thank you so much for portraying that strength to us, for hiding the very fact that you are sad, lonely or sometimes depressed, you show to us you are women of strength,” he said.
Nolene Kellerman, a motivational speaker who encouraged the women in attendance, said: “I am happy to see women of all ages here today. Community work is for anyone and everyone.”
The women were entertained by the South African Police Services Band, and all joined in on singing the National Anthem and George Benson’s “The greatest love of all”.
Bennett said that women loving and caring for themselves first is showing themselves this kind of love.
