Shonisani Ramatsia believes in improving her community
“I was robbed in my home and I figured it had to stop.”
Shonisani Regina Ramatsia has been involved in community engagements for over 10 years, with much of her involvement being carried out through motivational talks for purposes of community empowerment.
“I was robbed in my home and I figured it had to stop. I wanted to contribute positively to the community, be involved and active in the community to contribute positively in safeguarding our community,” said Ramatsia.
She said she started clean-up projects, gave out food parcels to the homeless, did motivational talks and other projects that involved the community.
“We recently did a cleaning campaign in Meredale, where Pikitup was also involved. We also organised food parcels for the community, especially those who were affected by Covid-19. We rallied with the community and everything we have been doing has been a success,” she said.
She has been giving motivational talks at the Johannesburg Correctional Services since 2007.
“I aim to establish community structures that will encourage public participation in aspects such as integrated development plans and other community activities.
“I also aim to establish a business network that will identify all businesses registered under Ward 125 (Region F) to establish a consultative relationship with the network when business opportunities avail themselves.
“I maintain a fluent working relationship with the ward’s stakeholders to escalate all service delivery issues to have a safe and healthy environment, to increase police visibility, to strengthen the CPF through continued involvement, to continue to contribute her knowledge and skills and to increase the visibility of the ward committee members by encouraging them to provide feedback on their activities and accomplishments,” she said.
Ramatsia serves as an executive member of the Meredale West Community Forum under the Community Police Forum (CPF), is a member of the Victim Support Unit (CPF), a member of Meredale Women’s Forum, and a street coordinator in Meredale.
“Through my involvement in the aforementioned structures, I have gained insight into the challenges and needs of the communities under Ward 125.
These include service delivery, vandalism of community infrastructure, youth unemployment, gender-based violence, crime, substance abuse, lack of public participation and lack of visibility from protection services such as JMPD,” said Ramatsai.
