With smiles on their faces, new bibs on their backs, and lunch provided by the local Spar, the guards were officially thanked by Sergeant Lloyd Ramovha, spokesperson for Parkview police.
“We urge you all to continue guarding this street with the passion and commitment that you have shown until now,” Ramovha said.
Vivian Marincowitz was the local shop owner behind organising the guards on Tyrone Avenue. She stepped in to manage the avenue’s car guards in 2006 after noticing the disintegration of the security systems which were being used at the time.
“[Your business] is your second home, your future, which also generates income for a lot of other people. It is our duty to protect that,” said Marincowitz.
She emphasised that the guards aren’t paid salaries – all their income is generated from shoppers’ tips. Since she began validating the guards, major criminal incidents have decreased significantly, which Ramovha confirmed.
Agis Sagias, part of management at the Spar, provided the guards with lunch to show his store’s appreciation for them. “The guards are always available [whenever we need help]. We try to support them in various ways, including providing them with meals.”
He believes the guards are a crucial component in maintaining the trendy reputation of Tyrone Avenue, and Parkview in general. “They are part of our Parkview family.”
The majority of these guards are foreign nationals from French-speaking nations, many of whom speak only broken English.
For Ramovha, this emphasises Parkview police’s stance against xenophobia.
For Marincowitz, however, this presents a communication barrier.
Luckily, she can depend on Alain Ituma, a car guard who speaks both French and English fluently. Marincowitz communicates with many of the guards through him.
He has become something of a spokesperson for the guards. “[Marincowitz] gives us a lot of respect,” said Ituma.
“She provides us with brooms to sweep the streets and with our smart work clothes. When one of us falls ill, she even takes that person to hospital.”
Ituma ended the day’s proceedings with a smile. “We are very grateful for this appreciation from the community.”
