BOPHELONG – They may not be big, fast, shiny German auto machines. However, Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa’s (CCBSA) donation of 20 bicycles and helmets – including 100 torches, and reflectors – is expected to make a significant impact on community policing for the Bophelong Community Policing Forum (CPF).
The beverage giant recently partnered with the local South African Police Services (SAPS) in Vanderbijlpark to combat crime in the area by donating several tools expected to help the patrollers during their daily routines.
The communities of Marikana and Bophelong are often victims of various crimes with numerous murders, stabbings, and gender-based violence being reported. As part of its social responsibility programmes, Coca-Cola decided to be actively involved and be a part of the solution.
CCBSA’s Cooperate Social Investment Specialist, Ayanda Zwane said “The reason why we decided to we decided to assist the CPF is that we have a long-standing relationship with them. We work in unison in terms of helping the mitigation against crime.”
Speaking during the event held at the Marikana airstrip, CPF chairperson David Ndindwa was pleased with the donation.
“It’s an honour that today, in the absence of our former station commander (Brigadier Nikiwe Sefatsa) and the new incumbent, Lieutenant Colonel Hasani Mashele – (both of whom) … have been pushing for this; we have received the donation. Coca-Cola asked (that) we do a wish list, and then send it to them. They have delivered on their promise, and for that we are grateful,” he said.
“This is not the first donation we have received from the company. In recent years, we received the first donation of red bikes and many other donations. I hope and believe that we will get other offerings in the future so we can continue to fight crime in the Vanderbijlpark precinct,” he said.
Acting Visible Policing (Vispol), Commander Lieutenant Colonel Bertie Van der Ryst delivered a message of support following the donation.
“I started at the SAPS in 1994 and Coca-Cola donated from those days. Since then, they’ve been on board and continue blessing us,” he said.
“We have a history together and we want to thank you. This [donation] is to support our patrollers for investing their time and being the police’s eyes and ears in our communities,” he added.
Ryst said they have a problem with crime in the country, however the Vanderbijlpark police station is improving.
“We are here to work and the difference made by the CPF and the police is noticeable,” he said.
