Open parking spaces often do not have security guards but rather car guards who at times are mistaken for criminals. However, the Rosebank Car Guards decided to set the record straight while making the public aware during their project launch on 22 August.
The guards were all dressed in their uniforms and took their positions around their own exclusive table as members of the community came to witness and support the event.
Project supervisor at Immaculata Shelter for the Homeless, Michael Ntuli kicked off the programme and said the stakeholders had come together as a community to see Rosebank become a better and safer place for everyone.
After an opening prayer by community member Zola Manxusa, Rosebank Police Station spokesperson Sergeant Bongi Mdletshe took to the stand. He said that it wasn’t an easy journey as doing anything with the police involved required things to be done by the book.
“My vision is to make sure that our streets, especially the central business district, is safe. I had to take their documents, conduct criminal checks and find out if they qualified to be on the streets.”
Mdletshe expressed his gratitude to the Rosebank Homeless Association for providing the material such as the uniforms and beeps for the guards. Project facilitator and social work student, Nompumelelo Ngwenya said the guards had been working on the street for about six months, but that day’s launch marked their official first date.
Ngwenya said, “These are our brothers who need to provide for their families and if we can work together to empower them we could unearth some of their unexplored talents, which could benefit the society at large.”
Ward 117 Councillor Tim Truluck said the commercial structure of Rosebank tended to make people forget about the community that actually exists. “This project has not only linked community entities and various stakeholders but with everyone; it aims to present itself as a solution.”
Chairperson of the Rosebank Homeless Association, Judith Briggs emphasised that the community was looking forward to working with the car guards to make the streets better and safer. “We are entrusting you with our vehicles and perhaps even our lives on these streets. Tip-offs will also help every now and then,” she said to the guards.
On behalf of Pick n Pay, which was one of the sponsors, customer service manager, Khanyisile Chokoe expressed her gratitude for the car guards who would look after its customers’ vehicles as they shop at the mall. Sister St John from Immaculata Shelter said this group of people might not make a difference to the whole of Johannesburg but would make a great difference where they are.
Ngwenya extended her gratitude to the countless sponsors, associations and residents who supported the initiative and who made it possible.
To find out more about the Rosebank Car Guards contact Rosebank police at 011 778 4700.
Do you think more communities need car guards? Tweet your views @RK_Gazette
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