Two patrollers of Nerissa Neighbourhood Watch in Lansdowne were among the recipients honoured in the City of Cape Town Council Chamber.
Celeste Olivia Maclons was honoured for excellence in NHW management, while Zuhair Moosa, was crime fighter of the year.
The awards acknowledged the important role played by nominees, individual patrollers, NHW teams and winners of the various categories.
“The City is deeply appreciative of the community service spirit and volunteerism of every neighbourhood watch member across Cape Town,” said Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. “Our neighbourhood watches make a big impact on preventing crime in communities and demonstrate the very best and highest ideal of active citizenry. In a caring society we look out for each other and the bond of trust that these groups build with their respective communities is incredibly valuable. The City of Cape Town is doing everything it can within its resources and ability to make our City safer for all residents and you are supporting our efforts.”
Mark Kleinschmidt, Ward 60 councillor, and within whose ward the Nerissa NHW falls, congratulated Moosa and Maclons on their achievement.
“They must be applauded for their meritorious awards received by the City’s Safety and Security directorate in respect of their selfless efforts,” he said. “A huge thank you to all Cape Town residents for your collective support, assistance and exemplary citizenry during our #KeepCapeTownClean Campaign led by Executive Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. Going the extra mile by some communities was greatly appreciated.
“A special mention must be made of the sterling services rendered unselfishly by our neighbourhood watches. The latter mentioned ordinary men and women patrol their suburbs during the wee hours providing the eyes and ears in crime prevention, in conjunction with the police. With the spike in crime, exacerbated by load shedding, our neighbourhood watch members continue to conduct patrols, and much success has been obtained.”
Kleinschmidt expressed a hope that now the Covid-19 pandemic had subsided the challenge of load shedding would not damage an ailing economy further.
“The City must be applauded for mitigating the scourge of load shedding whenever possible. The threat of Stage 8, a complete blackout by Eskom, looms before us! Heaven forbid.
“On the bright side, the Western Cape Government reports a 3,2% decrease in unemployment, reporting that 203 000 new jobs were created during 2022.
“As a ward councillor I am grateful to the community-based organisations for invitations to their various meetings and events. It enables me to keep an ear to the ground. The invitations included my attendance of early childhood development centre graduations, sports and civic meetings, including the market day events for small business entrepreneurs and sports clubs.”
The topping up of the annual ward allocation funding for myriad projects includes funding for license plate recognition cameras in hotspots, youth capacity building programs and the launch of the third edition of the Women for Change programme.
The roll-out of EPWP has ensured temporary work so these workers may put food on the table.
He thanked the Ward 60 committee, comprising the youth, education, civic association, early childhood development, sports and faith-based sectors as well as the various line departments of the City for their ongoing support and assistance.
Kleinschmidt referred to the recent controversial grass mowing tender contract, which was recently resolved, paving way for the contractor to cut overgrown grass areas.
He wished everyone a merry Christmas with family and a happy festive season
