Newcastle CPF issue a Letter of Appreciation to the Newcastle Community
The town has been left devastated. Everyone, from business owners to residents, has had a negative experience as a result of the rains:
“Fear and disbelief are the best words to describe the emotions running through residents’ minds as the town experienced flash floods from Feburary 10-19.”
These are the words of the Newcastle Community Policing Forum (CPF) Secretary, Talha Hoosen Randeree, following a devastating week-long battle with Mother Nature in which Newcastle was flooded multiple times.
“The town has been left devastated. Everyone, from business owners to residents, has had a negative experience as a result of the rains – whether your home or business was damaged, or you experienced a few terrifying moments while driving through the storms and flooded streets,” he said.
Despite all this negativity, Randeree said the town’s residents came together in a positive manner ‘which makes one truly proud to be a part of this community.’
“Whether it was private residents willing to wade through murky waters to help neighbours out of their homes, or risking their properties… whether it was people using their boats or bakkies to lend a hand… the on-the-ground support was tremendous. Your backs may still be sore from hours of filling and distributing sandbags, but know it’s only sore because you took on a responsibility for your entire town.
“The donors who made themselves available, whether it was providing hot meals to the displaced or in some form of donation, whether in cash or kind; know that your donation is making a difference to people in our town, from the Buffalo River’s edge at Dick’s Halt to the washed-away homes in Ballengeich.
“The volunteer teams at the Distribution Centre and on-site at displacement centres and distribution points, the hours they have spent and continue to spend getting aid to the people who need it most, have been incredible.”
Randeree added that a special mention must be made of the tremendous efforts of a number of public officials, including Councillor Shandy Singh, Chief of Traffic, Ashok Anandhaw, and a number of traffic and fire department personnel.
“We especially thank SAPS K9 Search & Rescue, Warrant Officer Stanley, and Constable Madelein Lynette Holloway for their extensive services that went above and beyond the call of duty.”
Randerree said the couple helped with rescue efforts on a daily basis, putting themselves in dangerous situations.
“In fact, it seemed as if the couple never stopped working during the time, and even volunteered to help with the relief efforts taking place throughout the town.”
The Newcastle CPF will be recommending the pair for the SAPS Commendation Medal for the exceptional services they have provided to the people of Newcastle.
“To be honest, there are many more people to thank, because even those who stayed at home contributed to keeping the roads clear so that emergency services could travel unhindered wherever they were needed.
“As the town continues to recover from the floods, we have asked the community to come together once more, lend a hand if you can, and let us continue to move our town forward. It is, after all, our home,” he concluded.
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