Life will never be the same for Ward 93 Neighbourhood Watch after they received working tools from their councillor on Tuesday 25 April.
The equipment, which included 110 jackets, 50 reflector vests, 10 medical aid kits, 18 lightsaber torches, 18 LED Flashlight torches, 15 radios and 6 fire extinguishers and 16 bicycles, was handed over to the NHW.
Councillor Thando Pimpi described the occasion as a special event for all NHW members in the ward.
He said the aim is to ensure that NHW is active and well-resourced. He stated that the equipment would boost the patrollers’ spirit. “The equipment came at the right time because it is winter. It will encourage them to do more. I need to emphasise that these are the volunteers who dedicate their lives to protecting the community without payment. By providing them with the equipment, that is the least that we can do,” said Pimpi.
The equipment was purchased through the ward allocation budget and it cost about R100 000.
He urged the community to join NHW and be the eyes and ears of the police, in the fight against crime. He mentioned gender-based violence, robberies and car hijacking as some of the prominent cases in his ward.
Speaking on behalf of the NHW, Andiswa Kala said the equipment was a blessing in disguise. She reiterated Pimpi’s remarks that it came at the right time. “The community will be able to recognise us. And by having radios we will be able to communicate with each other. Everything is going to be much better now,” said Kala.
She thanked Pimpi for the effort in ensuring that they were safe and warm during this season.
“Patrolling is not a child’s play. We are risking our lives for nothing because we don’t get paid. We do it for passion.
“It is not nice to wake up at 04:00 preparing to go and escort people who are going to work leaving behind your husband and children,” she said.