Auckland Park’s vision of a safer community

Auckland Park residents have launched the beginning of what could be a safer neighbourhood.

The Auckland Park Resident’s Association (APRA) was officially launched during a public meeting at the Auckland Park Preparatory School on 21 October.

Residents attended in their numbers to witness the milestone that could not only strengthen the community, but also potentially eliminate the danger factors in the suburb.

One person, who was extremely pleased to learn that Auckland Park residents were forming an association, was Ward 69 councillor Katja Naumann.

‘I am delighted about the formation of APRA and wish the organisation well,” said Naumann.

“The value of a well-run resident’s association cannot be underestimated, especially with regard to security and service delivery issues affecting the entire suburb. I will be working closely with the executive committee and urge all residents to join up as soon as possible,” she added.

Brixton Community Forum’s chairperson Mark Schaerer was also present at the meeting, bouncing off ideas on improving the neighbourhood and interaction among community members.

He talked about the creative ways the forum has made use of alleys, which have been a bit of an issue to Brixton, since they cannot be closed off.

These ways include fashion shows and book and cake sales, to name a few, through a project dubbed Alley Activation.

“We’ve managed to involve a huge variety of people in our community. And also people who would never really meet each other,” said Schaerer

He also wished the new association good luck.

Among the speakers was Westdene Community Patrol’s vice-chair Clint Hill, who also highlighted the positive outcomes that such initiatives yield.

Hill said the patrol was formed from the Westdene Resident’s Association, out of the need to secure the community.

One reliable communication agent he made reference to was WhatsApp, which is more accessible among community members than email and/or other electronic forms of communication.

He said with the constant filtering of information on the WhatsApp group, everyone becomes a spotter of crime and suspicious activity.

As a result, “our neighbourhood and our people are moving back into the streets…” he shared.

Auckland Park community members were also encouraged to nominate a chairperson, vice chairperson, secretary, treasurer and a communications officer, who will form part of the executive committee.

With the formation of a resident’s association, Auckland Park residents seem to be opening the doors to a safer and more close-knit community.

Details: Facebook group – Auckland Park Resident’s Association; aucklandparkresidents@gmail.com