Pretoria - The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) has introduced Safety Ambassadors as part of a Crime Prevention Programme in Ehlanzeni, Nelspruit, to fight crime and contribute to a safer community.
The Ehlanzeni Safety Ambassadors initiative was introduced by Enhlanzeni Municipality working in collaboration with the local South African Police Service (SAPS) and various community structures to reduce crime in the local town.
According to the Station Commander of the Nelspruit Police Station, Colonel Brian Muller, the crime rate in the town has been reduced in 2015/2016.
This is as a direct result of the collaborative crime combating work done by the local SAPS, the EPWP Safety Ambassadors and residents.
The participants in the programme execute a range of activities including guarding parked vehicles and cleaning of the town in general.
The participants also report suspicious criminal activities in town to the police who then respond accordingly.
“We work very well with the participants in the programme and we value their contribution in the fight against crime.
“Without them we would be having a serious challenge in tackling crime. The value of the safety ambassadors stretches beyond crime fighting to providing people – especially tourists - with information about the town,” Colonel Muller said.
The Edgars Store Manager, in Nelspruit, Evelyn Perumal, hailed the crime combating initiative done by the Safety Ambassador.
“They are helpful in dealing with incidents such as shoplifting where armed responses are not necessary. Because of their work, the theft of the stock we sell has reduced. The safety ambassadors also serve as a link between the community and local businesses,” Perumal said.
An official from Woolworths Store Aubrey van Eck also appreciated the support given to them by the safety ambassadors.
“Stores are safer for the customers. There is reduced car theft. There is no more grab and runs in the shop.
“We have requested that the projects continue and be extended to other areas around town,” Van Eck said.
The Tourism Assistant Manager in the Ehlanzeni District Municipality, Steven von Bardeleben, explained that the Safety Ambassadors project created the much needed work opportunities for the residents in the area.
EPWP creating jobs
“The project has contributed in poverty alleviation in the area. It has provided a source of income that was never there before for these car guards (participants).
“In addition, the EPWP participants received training and are provided with skills that they can use to enter the formal job market. As we speak, some of the participants have received accredited Grade E and D security training.
“Most importantly this project has given our people a sense of hope and dignity,” Von Bardeleben added.
The project started in 2012 with 66 participants. In the first quarter of 2016/2017 financial year, the project created 109 work opportunities for the residents in the area.
The number of participants feeds to government’s EPWP target of creating over 6 million work opportunities by 2019.
The project is also funded by the National Department of Public Works through the EPWP Incentive Grant.
Safety Ambassador
“My life has changed for the better because the monthly stipend I receive from the project. The monthly stipend has given also provided me with an opportunity to provide for my loved ones,” Thobile Sindane said.
The 33-year-old mother of two primary school children explained that she joined the project in 2016.
“Before I joined the project, life was very hard for me and my children as I had been unemployed for a very long time. Today however, we are living a better life,” Sindane said. – SAnews.gov.za
