School bands and cadettes from Ocean View and Masiphumelele strutted their stuff in front of the community and guests on Saturday 3 December, on a fun day hosted by the Wynberg Community Policing Forum (CPF) cluster board.
The day included displays by fire and rescue, law enforcement, police and Metro Police officers who participated in a motorcade.
Jonathan Mills, CPF cluster treasurer, said the day was about bringing the community together.
“We as the CPF brought together the community along with the emergency services, police and other law enforcement partners together with the marching bands from local schools as well as the cadettes in a celebration of community service.
“Those in uniform, who do this as a career and profession, put their lives at risk every day for us as well as the neighbourhood watches who serve through volunteering and trying to build a better community.
“And setting them as an example for those young people who participate in these bands and cadette programmes, where they are taught discipline, dignity, respect and service we hope we can inspire others to get involved.”
Mills added that the event would hopefully inspire young people to “look to the future” and see a career in volunteering and being part of building a safer community for all.
“We have about 650 children here and 150 adults plus our members of the emergency services and neighbourhood watches so it’s probably just short of a 1 000 people.
“This is a new initiative and we would love to see this on a more regular basis.”
Provincial gender-based-violence (GBV) coordinator, Col Tasswell Paulse, encouraged children to participate in teamwork.
“Children who are here today, very importantly, especially as you participate in these activities of cadettes it is one of the stepping stones in your life going forward.
“Building discipline and cohesion, building teamwork that is very important for you as a child growing up in terms of looking at safety aspects.”
Later referring to the 16 days of activism against violence, Paulse said it was important for parents and the community to ensure children are not subjected to abuse.
“I am responsible for crime prevention in the province, so under us, we have 151 police stations and GBV and victim empowerment is one of our key focus areas.
“Firstly, we need to take care of our children, we must make sure that they are not subjected to any abuse but also not subjected to negligence as well as neglect.
“For the parents, who allow your kids to participate in this I salute you. An involved parent in your child’s life will also make sure that the child is not subjected to any crime or not bullied at any time but also knowing where your child is every minute of the day.”
Meanwhile, Western Cape minister of police oversight and community safety Reagan Allen encouraged learners to make the right choices in life.
“When I see teachers and parents supporting young people I am deeply encouraged because the fight against crime will require that every community take back its communities.
“And when I see our young people part of the drill squad, the dedication, the skills, the leadership they are learning now will ultimately help and guide them to make better choices.”
Mansoer Ismail, from the Wynberg CPF cluster board, said with drugs and gangsterism rife in Ocean View, the event was a means to keep young people off the streets.
“In Ocean View with the drugs and gangsters, we are trying to keep them (learners) active.
“We are really proud of all these kids because what they show us is that they are willing, eager and determined to make a difference in Ocean View and Masiphumelele,” hesaid.
