Douglasdale police officers and Unity College learners welcome Spring

A number of sporting activities took place between the Douglasdale police and Unity College learners thanks to the formation of a new partnership.

September 16, 2022

Khomotso Makgabutlane 2 minutes read

Unity staff member Busisiwe Malate, learners Grace Engels and Mikayla Kaka enjoy the atmosphere at the Casual Day celebrations. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Learners at Chartwell got to spend the day with those who protect and serve the community for Casual Day on September 2.

Unity College learners put their strength into the tug-o-war battle. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Unity College and Douglasdale Police Station together with the Community Policing Forum (CPF) had a fun-filled day with various sporting activities to enjoy.

Goalkeeper for the Honeydew police football team Given Ramasobana is all smiles after his side beat Douglasdale police in a football match. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Douglasdale police spokesperson Captain Mpho Tshetlhane said the police had chosen Unity College to support not only for Casual Day, but as part of community engagement for the future.

The Honeydew Police Station’s football team celebrate their win against Douglasdale police in a football match at Unity College. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

“Casual Day stickers were bought to support children with special needs. We as Douglasdale police wanted to celebrate the day with Unity College as the school helps learners with special needs.
“We are working well with the community, and these children are a special part of the community. They are our friends, our children, and we love and care about them.”

Unity College principal Jeanine Kerr and teacher Vanessa Smith enjoy the food and weather at the Casual Day celebrations with Douglasdale police. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

The school and police had a late Spring Day celebration in which four aloe trees were planted by the entrance of the school.
“The trees were to showcase the connection between the police and the aloe trees. The aloes can survive under any kind of environment, be it hot, cold or raining, it will still survive.

Shadreck Chidakwa from Unity College runs with the ball against the Douglasdale police football team. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Douglasdale officers Lesiba Seala and Felix Ledwaba at Unity College to celebrate Casual Day. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

“The police are the same in that we can survive anywhere, and we can conquer whatever comes our way.”
Principal Jeanine Kerr said the atmosphere at the school had been electric with all the activities on offer alongside the police and CPF.

Colonel Moeti Senna of Douglasdale Police Station hands the winners’ trophy to Honeydew police’s goalkeeper Given Ramasobana. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Gertrude Malaka, Mikayla Kaka, Grace Engels and Busisiwe Malate of Unity College celebrate Casual Day. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

She further explained how important it is for the learners to see how the police support them.
“There’s an African proverb that says ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. And this is part of that village. It’s important for the police to see and understand our children. Some of our learners are non-verbal, and the police may come across a child who is unable to express themselves.

Unity College learner Jack Kasten enjoys some lunch at the Casual Day celebration with Douglasdale police and CPF. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

“For us, the involvement of the community is just so vital. Children are vulnerable, and our children are more vulnerable than others. ”

Learners from Unity College Keatile Sedite and Tawana Magashula celebrate their victory against the Douglasdale police football team in penalties. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Activities throughout the morning included netball, football, and tug-o-war. Douglasdale police were also joined by Honeydew police where they battled in a friendly but fierce football game. Honeydew won the match 4 – 3 to take home bragging rights.