Penny Steyn is still ‘MAD’ about fighting crime in Bedfordview

Penny Steyn (70) oozes passion and loves what she does. It’s evident in the way she speaks and moves, and it’s in her eyes.

Also read: Domestic workers get MAD

Her motto is, ‘Let’s get MAD’.

MAD stands for Making A Difference.

Also read: ‘Don’t be a victim of holiday crime’ – MAD Penny

The 70-year-old is indeed making a difference through training in an effort to curb criminal activities and assist the police in the country, because she was also a victim of crime.

“I have turned my adversity to the advantage of the community,” she explained. “I was a victim of crime when two people tried to strangle me on Heritage Day in October 2001. Through the kindness of one constable, I became a member of the Parkview Executive Community Police Forum and embarked on my mission to make a difference.”

Seventeen years ago she started Domestic Watch meetings and since then has been running these meetings once a month in 26 suburbs.

“I conduct these meetings in conjunction with the police, and train an average of 1 200 domestics and gardeners monthly,” Steyn said.

“This is not a course, it is an ongoing process of building confidence and a relationship with the SAPS and eliminating the prospect of being implicated in crime if they report information.”

Steyn swings her lessons between how to prevent crime and how to become an informer.

The NEWS visited Steyn at one of her monthly meetings at the Methodist Church in Bedfordview.

She started off the meeting by breaking into song, with the women and one or two of the men following suit.

It was an African gospel song, and she danced and knew all the lyrics to the Setswana hymn.

The women were delighted as they sang and watched her show off her moves.

Everyone was then asked to sit down and Steyn told the group how much she loves them and how much they are her life.

A new member was then called to the front and introduced. She was told to raise her hands and wiggle her hips, as is customary for new members.

Her name going forward will now begin with MAD, for example, MAD Tumelo.

The day’s lesson was themed ‘Stolen goods – don’t become a criminal’.

Steyn urged the women to think twice to avoid being implicated in a crime or would-be criminal activity.

Other sub-topics in the lesson included shoplifting, what happens to stolen goods, what makes a counterfeit product, where stolen goods come from, tracking devices, cellphones, keeping records, reporting the theft of your goods, what could happen if you are found with stolen goods, who you should speak to, and how to be careful.

Steyn is determined to take her MAD Domestic Watch national.

Domestic workers who attend Steyn’s class love her enthusiasm and some have been attending for the past 12 years.

Elizabeth Moqai is one such member.

In these meetings she has learnt how to handle criminals, the signs of criminal activity, when to contact the police, and how to report suspicious movement and vehicles in the community.

“I love these classes because we are taught about things we did not know about,” Moqai said. “Another thing I like is that we are taught how to maintain good communication with our employers.”

Julia Moelelwa said she has also learnt a lot since she started with Steyn.

“Every month we know that we are able to get advice and ask Penny questions where we need clarification,” she pointed out.

“I have learnt how to protect myself, keep the panic button close by and to look after my employers’ property and pets.”

Moelelwa has also been a part of the meetings since Steyn started in Bedfordview 12 years ago.

Joyce Modiselle started attending the meetings after being told by her employer that she would be taught about crime prevention.

“Now I know what do when criminals come,” said Modiselle. “I love being here because now I know how to protect myself from criminals.”

Steyn has many accolades under her belt.

She has written books, has been awarded and nominated for a number of prestigious awards, and is regularly invited to conduct motivational talks.

So what are her long-term goals?

“To motivate others to get involved with the crime challenge in South Africa, fulfil requests for more MAD meetings, train school children and through them motivate their parents to become involved in making a difference.”

For more information on the domestic workers’ meetings, contact Steyn on 082 461 6968 or 011 7838776 or email madpenny@absamail.co.za

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