Germiston police open safe house on Mandela Day
The Germiston SAPS Victim Empowerment Centre house is now open to victims of various crimes.
From a street away one could hear ululating coming from the Germiston Police Station on Mandela Day.
The glorious sounds accompanied the excitement of the many guests who were in attendance to witness the opening of the Germiston SAPS Victim Empowerment Centre house.
The auspicious occasion was attended by members of the public, the Germiston SAPS Victim Empowerment Unit, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Johnson Matthey employees, the Department of Social Development and CBA Auctioneers.
The Germiston SAPS Victim Empowerment Unit will prioritise victims of domestic violence and rape, as well as abandoned children.
It will act as a safe haven offering immediate help to those in need before they are referred to places of safety organised by the Department of Social Development.
ALSO READ: Celebrating Mandela by offering healthcare
“President Cyril Ramaphosa introduced the Thuma Mina campaign.
“We as Johnson Matthey have long joined because we believe this campaign is important to our generation.
“We need to understand that giving has nothing to do with our fiscal abilities.
“Volunteering your time to various projects is also giving back,” said Ndima Rawana, site services director for Johnson Matthey.
Ndima expressed the joy he felt when he saw the number of youth present at the opening of the house, assisting with the day’s activities.
“Mandela Day should not mark the one day when we all decide to give back, we should all aspire to perform charitable deeds often.
“Madiba was never destined to live forever, just like all of us.
“He played his part in knitting generations together and he spearheaded equality for us all.
“It is our responsibility to pick up that spear to better our communities,” he said.
Johnson Matthey not only sponsored the house but they donated 100 blankets to the elderly of Ward 35 and Ward 93.
CBA Auctioneers donated 12.5kg sacks of mealie meal to the elderly.
ALSO READ: Elandsvallei in the spotlight this Mandela Day
“Crime prevention strategies and unit empowerment programmes were created to assist us in eradicating crime and helping those who were affected by it.
“This house is the answer to the call we’ve made on numerous occasions saying that we needed a victim support centre because of a large number of women and children who come to the station seeking help.
“Some come late at night and refuse to be taken back home because their abusers will still be there.
“Let us honour our sponsors for this house by respecting them and their employees when they are in our communities.
“Let us respect the emergency services personnel who are with us today even when they drive into our neighbourhoods.
“Please speak to the youth in your areas about the damage they cause to our vehicles when we come to your communities to do our jobs,” said Germiston SAPS station commander Brig Nkhensani Lemba.
Among the guests was Howard Krais, a Johnson Matthey representative from the United Kingdom.
Co-ordinator for the Victim Empowerment Unit Maria van Zyl exhibited immense gratitude to the sponsors and everyone who volunteered to get the house in order ahead of Mandela Day.
Have a story?
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.zaor Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist) kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za
Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:
Or add the GCN on WhatsApp 079 406 1181 or BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137) today, to get all the latest news.
Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers Bedfordview Edenvale News, Alberton Record and Kempton Express.
