‘Commanders’ celebrate 1 year

SHARPEVILLE. – The Boitshepiville Commanders Task Team (BCTT) members couldn’t contain their joy as they celebrated their first anniversary in Sharpeville on Sunday.

This group comprises dedicated community members who have taken it upon themselves to guard an electrical substation located in ‘Hlalakwabafileyo’, a squatter camp between Tshepiso and Smarties (‘Divencheng’) in Sharpeville. Sunday marked a year since the residents of Boipatong, Tshepiso, and Sharpeville (collectively known as Boitshepiville) decided to form this group last September.

Their decision came in response to vandalism and cable theft at the substation, which led to erratic electrical supply, disrupting their households for days. The BCTT members, stationed just a few meters outside the substation, take turns to guard it continuously and without interruption.

Baba ‘Biblos’ Lebona, the Chairperson of BCTT, expressed gratitude to the community and various councillors from Boitshepiville for making the anniversary event a success. He also thanked those who donated and supported the event, including councilors Kgotso Poletsi, Mr. Riaaz Choonara, Mr. Johny ‘Mkhonto’ Radebe, and others. He emphasised the group’s commitment to their pledge as Commanders.

Meanwhile, local councillors showed their support, with Councillor David Mokolopo stating that the people of Boitshepiville wished to declare their support for the men and women who have dedicated their time and safety to protect the substation from unscrupulous thieves who disrupted residents’ peace.

“We are very grateful to these Commanders,” said Mokolopo.

BCTT is a formally registered Non-Profit Company and is backed by Ward Councillors of Boitshepiville. They have reportedly approached the national electricity supplier, Eskom, to seek recognition so that both parties can collaborate in safeguarding critical infrastructure. They are currently awaiting Eskom’s response to their proposal.