The Domestic Workers and Gardeners Safety Forum was well attended last Saturday.
Driven by On Florida, a community activist group, and organised with Florida Police and the Florida CPF, the Domestic Workers and Gardeners Safety Forum aims to educate domestic employees on crime prevention and safety. The Forum held the workshop at the Rainbow FM hall, next to the Florida Police Station.
Warrant officer Maphopo and Lieutenant Colonel Marite addressed the attendees about crime issues. Maphopo highlighted the need for them to be watch dogs for the police and block watches.
“Gardeners are the front line in crime prevention,” he said.
Both parties were asked to keep record of suspicious vehicles travelling in their employers’ neighbourhoods and to hand over this information to police officers and block watchers. He emphasised that, in a case where a robbery took place that could have been prevented by a domestic worker, the domestic worker could be held responsible.
“If you could have stopped it, your employer might come to the conclusion that you were in on it. This could result in your being fired and seen as an accomplice by the police.
“Keep the place tight,” he said, encouraging domestic workers to keep doors, windows and gates locked while they’re working.
Corné and Dean van Zyl as well as Ferdie Nel came all the way from Pretoria Moot to attend the forum, hoping to create a similar forum between their block watches. Pamphlets with sector police numbers were handed out to everyone in attendance. After a refreshment break, Joburg EMS representatives presented a fire safety awareness programme.
“We’d like to thank the Florida Police and the Florida CPF for helping to create yet another successful workshop,” said Caleb Finn of On Florida, a community activist group.
“Thank you to Alf’s Stationers for sponsoring notepads and pens, and Help at Home for sponsoring refreshments.
“I would encourage every domestic worker, nanny or gardener and their employers to attend these events or make them accessible for employees – the better they are equipped, the better off the whole area will be.
Tips shared during the forum:
• Write down and submit registration numbers of suspicious vehicles surveying the neighbourhood.
• Keep all doors, windows and gates locked.
• If someone pitches up and wants to enter the property, phone your employer yourself. Don’t let anyone in if it wasn’t arranged with you by your employer prior to their visit.
