To achieve great outcomes, one must make great sacrifices. Leading a Community Policing Forum(CPF) is a taxing, and often thankless, pursuit that takes indestructible willpower.
Petrus Lehaiwa, Chairman of the Roodepoort CPF, believes in his bones that committed and fearless community leaders can solve the crime epidemic of Roodepoort.
Born in Limpopo, Petrus moved to Johannesburg at aged 15. He settled in Roodepoort in 1997 and since then has been involved in community development. An active citizen, his passion for the community stems from his belief that to make a difference you have to work at changing your immediate surroundings.
Petrus is a self taught man who runs his own contracting business. A handy electrician and tradesman he prides himself in his humble upbringing which taught him the value of hard work. “I was poor growing up. I walked 10 kilometer’s to an from school but I never quit. I knew if I focused and worked hard the rewards would come”. This humility can also be reflected in his family life as Petrus can boast 3 grown children and a 23 year marriage.
His greatest sacrifice may be the time he spends away from his family. Building a CPF that works for the people of Roodepoort means many evenings holding meetings with community members. He says “I dont want people to sleep with one eye open while criminals run free. We need to come together to squash this ball of crime”. A man with a big heart and a determined attitude, Petrus Lehaiwa is the man on a quest to clean up Roodepoort.
