Police and neighbourhood watch assist with handing out food parcels

In a time of crisis, the strength of a community is measured by the lengths that one neighbour is willing to go to help another. Schools are often the cornerstones of communities, so no place would be better at reinforcing that strength, with Laerskool Dr Havinga taking the lead in providing neighbourly support.

The school, which has been servicing the Witpoortjie community for almost 70 years, pooled together its resources to assist Havies families with food parcels to get them through the state-imposed lockdown. The shortage of food and everyday supplies is being felt from Cape to Kruger, coast to coast as government committees and departments hold lengthy press conferences in front of a nation unable to work.

Wrapped up in their masks and gloves, and armed with spray bottles of hand sanitizer, Roodepoort Police and West Suburbs Roodepoort Neighbourhood Watch were on hand to deal with logistics and the necessary health regulations. “The school itself has supplied 105 families with the food parcels. Thanks to Sergeant Mbuli, Warrant Officer Loots, VISPOL and the Detectives Unit for assisting with maintaining social distancing,” said Roodepoort Police spokesperson, Captain Juanita Yorke.

Upon receiving the food parcels on Thursday, 16 April, there were two weeks left of the lockdown to navigate. With the livelihoods of a nation resting in the hands of government, hope is that national leaders are able to properly balance the economic needs with the perceived health risks.