Key stakeholders address concerns of Roodepoort CBD community

Initiated by members of Roodepoort ICE Community Policing, the Roodepoort CBD community met with several key figures over a four-day period.

On Saturday afternoon, February 5, the community were granted an audience with Roodepoort Police station commander, a Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) delegation, and the new ward councillor. Thereafter, the community were able direct questions to the MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Michael Sun, as well as representatives from City Power and Johannesburg Water on February 8.

The meetings were an urgent attempt to address concerns from residents that have become increasingly frustrated at the lack of service delivery. Additionally, crime is a constant issue and despite the best efforts of the Roodepoort ICE crew, criminality is still rife in the old streets. The ICE members have sought to build strong channels of communication with authorities, hoping for increased coordination with both police and JMPD.

Brigadier Irene Sekwakwa fielded questions from the community who inquired about the effectiveness of officers in the CBD. In response, the brigadier encouraged residents to write down the vehicle call sign displayed on the side of the vehicle and report it to the police station with the time of the activity so the police could track who was in the car at that time. In turn, JMPD explained their by-law enforcement procedures and committed to increasing their presence in the area.

Each respective municipal representative noted the concerns but action will need to be swift to appease residents. Businessman and 30-year resident of the area, Mohammed Choonara has invested heart and soul into his life in the CBD. Owning two properties on Hinda Street, Mohammed lamented the decay that has taken hold of his suburb. “Look around at this mess. It is disgusting,” he stressed.

Mohammed noted how many families that he has close ties with have chosen to leave the area around the CBD for greener suburbs around Roodepoort. The inside and immediate surroundings of his home are immaculate and he urges municipal stakeholders to maintain the suburb with the same pride that invested residents have in their properties. “Every week there is an issue. It hurts my heart to see our suburb like this,” he said, stating how his sentimentality towards the suburb is his reason for staying.

Ward 84 councillor, Johannes Goosen has been enthusiastic in his engagements with the community and is committing to fulfilling his role. “It was a very fruitful meeting where residents could get to know me and what drives my motivation to best serve them. It was also a good opportunity for me to enhance my understanding of the issues that the community faces, knowing I didn’t immediately have the solutions they seek, but being there and assuring them that I have their interests at heart,” said Goosen

Roodepoort ICE will continue to be a force for change, and stress they are not just a security group, but a wider community upliftment organisation. “As for Saturday, we are happy to have a brigadier that is willing to assist us and to show up for our community. As for our meeting with MMC Sun, he heard our pleas and seems excited to come on board and work with us,” said Roodepoort ICE chairman, Madidimalo Rakabe. “We are happy with the relationships we are building and see exciting times ahead. We are not here to complain but to be solution-driven. We are here to assist,” he concluded.