Going into the elections, the chairperson position had been vacant following the stepping down of former chairperson, Marvin Maphiri.
The elections were held at the Midrand Primary School in Noordwyk on October 19 from 14:00.
Otto Ramokoka, patrol coordinator retained his position to resounding applause from the attendees.
For the chairmanship position, former executive members of the outgoing exco, Dinesh Sookdeo and Chris Gatsi were vying for the throne. However, after voting, which is only done by CPF members, Sookdeo emerged victorious with nine votes from eleven voters. He will be assisted by Lazarus Chetty as a deputy chairperson while Gatsi will fill in the secretary vacancy.
Andrew Paterson was elected as a deputy secretary while the public relations officer will be Michael Goh. Dealing with the sector’s finances as a treasurer. the honour fell to Michael McClardy.
The newly appointed chairperson Sookdeo as the former member is familiar with the expectations of this role, thus ensuring continuity of some good work done by the outgoing team. “I believe that I have a value that I can bring to the table and that this structure is an important extension of policing. But importantly, I believe it does not help to sit back and complain but to rather get involved to address some of the related community issues. I am hoping that I, with my appointed executive team, can work together as a well-oiled machine to find solutions to reduce crime and secure our sector to improve quality of living within our sector,” said Sookdeo.
He said while he and his executive team will develop strategies to fight crime, they will also look to incorporate the successful elements of the past team.
“We need to own and drive our strategy to be accountable and successful. We will also work with the outgoing chairman to ensure effective handover is concluded. Community participation in organisations such as the CPF is paramount to the success of restoring our sector to safe living conditions. There are many solutions to the many issues, but waiting for someone else to address it is not a solution,” said Sookdeo.
He concluded by urging the community to eat this elephant- that is crime- one piece at a time and said if residents see something, they must report it to the relevant authorities because turning a blind eye will not make the problem go away.
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