At an elaborate ceremony on Thursday, August 31, Protection Services officially changed its name to Community Safety.
The event was held at the Protection Services offices, and municipal officials gathered while a plaque was unveiled announcing the name change.
After the unveiling, municipal officials and staff made their way to the Farmer’s Hall, where staff were rewarded for their contribution to the department.
Municipal Manager, Errol Mswane, said it was important to ensure a culture which was conducive to service delivery was employed by the municipality to serve its community.
“What we are doing today, as Newcastle Municipality, is saying we want to identify those who are are serving the community by recognising and rewarding our employees. By doing that, we are recognising our brand and reaffirming our staff.”
Newcastle Mayor, Makhosini Nkosi, said this would ensure the community was moving closer to a safe environment.
“It is a fundamental human right for our citizens to have a safe environment. Building safer communities is a collective responsibility of both the state and its citizens.”
He said it was pivotal for the private sector and Community Safety to work together for the common good.
“We must unite in fighting crime,” continued Cllr Nkosi.
He went on to commend staff who put their lives in dangerous situations on a daily basis to ensure the safety of the community, saying in order to do their line of work, one needed certain special qualities.
“One needs qualities such as integrity, honesty, the ability to work under pressure and strength of character. Over that, they need lesser known qualities such as communication skills, a commitment to help people, protecting those who can’t protect themselves, being able to deal with difficult situations and being being physically and psychologically fit.”
In recognition of the sacrifices fire fighters, traffic officials and other municipal staff made on a daily basis, the awards were received with enthusiasm and great personal pride.
