THERE is renewed energy within the Durban North/Umhlanga CPF SAPS as the Youth Desk officially convened its first meeting last week. The initiative was established as a sub-forum for the youth within the CPF with the primary aim of getting the next generation actively involved in joining the fight against crime and violence as well as to build a culture of learning, tolerance and respect for all.
Chairman of the Durban North/Umhlanga CPF, Haden Searles, said while the Youth Desk had been going for years, there was very little engagement from the youth.
“We decided to push for a more established presence within the youth by focusing on securing a committed team of local students. Crime is just not fought by the police, it’s fought by getting all sectors of the community involved. It’s great to see such a dedicated and enthusiastic team who are eager to give back to community and raise pertinent issues affecting the youth. This is all about getting the next generation of crime-fighters involved,” he said.
Newly-appointed chairperson, Nompumelelo Ngubane, said she was honoured to be selected and said she was looking forward to working with the Durban North SAPS and the CPF.
“I’m very excited and the idea behind the Youth Desk is fantastic. It’s an honour to head up such a huge cog in the community and a great opportunity for me and my team. This forum is sorely needed because I think it’s important to have a platform for the youth. I’m currently working with Sgt Navashnie Govender, who is the new social crime prevention officer at the station, to implement programmes and projects to educate the youth on all social implications and dangers within the community.
“We will be focusing on educating the youth, on HIV/Aids awareness, drug and alcohol abuse, sexual assault as well as on reaching out to the less fortunate in our community,” she said.
Ngubane, who is better known as Lelo, added the Youth Desk has great expectations and goals.
“We do want to achieve all of this for the Youth Desk, and this can only be accomplished by staying dedicated, respecting one another and working hard towards a vision. Our vision is to make a difference in the lives of others by uniting our community,” she said.
