Get to know the Tsakani CPF chairperson

Tsakani – Mncedisi Somyo (41), the Tsakani CPF chairperson, is a community leader who is dedicated towards improving communities and combating criminal activities.

He said his journey in community work started when he realised that he was a community activist when he was a part of the Tsakane Ward 112 as a ward committee member representing the youth sector.

“During this period, we worked with several stakeholders, often called stakeholder meetings which usually included the CPF.

“I then started researching the CPF, the work they do, their involvement in the community and then after, that is when I decided to join the CPF.

“Because of my impeccable contributions as a CPF deputy chairperson before Covid-19, I was then elected as the chairperson in 2019,” said Somyo.

Somyo was born and raised in Tsakani and always had a desire to channel issues faced by the community.

He said that his job entails creating a close relationship between the police and the community at large.

“As CPF members, we work towards change and helping the community. We render safety services, we call public/community meetings, and we patrol different communities.

“Our job is not only to render services but also entails awareness campaigns such as awareness about burglaries, hijackings, and sexual violence. It is important for us to stay relevant,” he said.

Somyo highlighted that as CPF members they confront disadvantages from time to time. He highlighted that one of their disadvantages is not having anything to protect themselves when they are confronted by danger.

“We do not have guns, protective gear or other weapons to fight hijackers for example. Another disadvantage is that we are volunteers, there is no form of income.

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“Should anyone want to join as a CPF member, it should be an individual who loves community work, who understands the importance of unity among communities,” Somyo said.

Somyo further highlighted that the police play a vital role in assisting them to do their job efficiently. He said that they assist with transportation to and from venues where they are needed for assistance.

“The Tsakane Police Station also assigned an office to us within the police station. It is a safe area for us to work in and further allows individuals to locate us easily inside the station. Furthermore, there is access to law officials when there is a need for their advice,” he added.

He added that the CPF is grateful for the recognition and support they receive from the Tsakane Police Station commander who understands the role they play in the Kwatsaduza community.

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