Marina steps down as Bedfordview CPF chairperson

The Bedfordview CPF’s annual general meeting took place at the James Auditorium in Bedfordview on April 10. The goal of the meeting was to elect a new chairperson and committee, which will lead the Bedfordview CPF for the next five years. The outgoing chairperson, Ms Marina Constas, the Ward 20 councillor, Clr Michele Clarke, the new Bedfordview SAPS Station Commander Lieutenant Colonel Sevha Reckson Shiburi, members from the MEC’s office, community members and representatives of the various SAPS sectors were in attendance of the meeting. Ms Constas welcomed the attendees to the meeting and reported on the progress and financial projections for the Bedfordview CPF. “The financials for the Bedfordview CPF indicate that the forum is in a healthy position, with a surplus of funds available to the incoming committee,” said Ms Constas. “The previous was eventful for the Bedfordview community. The end of the year brought the arrests of unlawful characters who sought only to tarnish the image of Bedfordview. One highlight was assisting in the investigations by bringing in forensic investigator, Mr Paul O’Sullivan,” said Ms Constas. “The CPF has also done a lot of work in building strong relations between the community and the SAPS. Our domestic worker’s forums are growing and are becoming a strong, cohesive group. Relationships between the sector heads has also managed traction.” The election of the executive committee took place after the chairperson’s report. Despite counter-views from CPF members to Ms Constas’ rejection of the chairperson position, she reiterated that she could not accept the responsibility of being the chairperson for another five years. It was decided that the new committee would consist of Mr Gavin Henry (chairperson), Mr Alkis Flemetakis (first deputy), Mr Ian Clark (second deputy) and Ms Melanie Atmore, who will take on the role of secretary and treasurer. Ms Stephanie Davidson will perform the role of public relations officer. Ms Constas will continue to support the Bedfordview CPF as an adviser. The newly-appointed Bedfordview CPF chairperson, Mr Henry said, “The reason I am involved in the CPF is because I have an undying love for Bedfordview. I moved to Bedfordview when I was three, in 1969. I have lived in the area all my life and it is a place I love. Somebody has to stand up, and I am quite happy to do so, and work with the police. Hopefully we will be successful in the years to come.” Farewells and messages of thanks were given from Clr Michele Clarke, the Bedfordview SAPS communications officer Sergeant Mduduzi Nhlabathi, and other members at the meeting. “Ms Constas has done outstandingly well to build the structures in the current Bedfordview CPF. We are sad to see you leave and we will continue along the path that you have laid down. We thank you for the excellence you have put into our community. The new committee of the CPF has large shoes to fill,” said Clr Clarke. @BedfordJourno