POTCHEFSTROOM: 9 October 2023 - On Thursday, 05 October 2023, the office of the Provincial Commissioner led by the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Asaneng and the Provincial Community Safety Civilian Secretariat led by the Chief Director, Ms Mpho Maleme convened and held the long overdue Provincial Community Policing Board Elective General Meeting in Potchefstroom.
The successful elections of the new Provincial Community Policing Board were presided by the Dr Kenneth Kaunda Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and in attendance were members the District Community Policing Boards from all four districts and the District Commissioners. In opening the meeting and the welcome address, Major General Asaneng outlined the importance and objectives of Community Policing. He among others, referred to Section 206(3) (c) of the Constitution, Chapter 7 of the SAPS Act, the Civilian Secretariat Act and the White Paper on Policing; all of which propagate for the establishment of a partnership between the police and the community in the prevention of crime.
The General reminded the delegates that in his State of the Nation Address in 2018 and after the adoption of the National Community Policing Strategy, the President of the Republic, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, instructed that community policing must be strengthened so as to ensure that the country builds communities that are resilient to crime and as well as service oriented and people centred SAPS is in place to mobilise and work with the community in addressing the high levels of crime.
The following Provincial Community Policing Board Executive Committee members were elected:
Chairperson - Mr R Malungane
Deputy Chairperson - Mr KM Rammotlana
Secretary - Mr M Mosweu
Deputy Secretary - Me DA Mogotsi
Treasurer - Mr J Makhaza
Public Relation Officer - Mr B Walaza
Additional members:
Mr M Mpane
Me ES Bloem
Mr D Segone
Mr LS Mmusi
In her closing remarks, Chief Director, Mpho Maleme congratulated the new Executive and encouraged ladies to avail themselves and be willing to assume leadership positions.
While she was happy and congratulated the newly elected Executive Committee, she raised concerns about the numbers and positions of women in the upper echelons of the structures.
Mr Malungane who was elected unopposed as the Provincial Community Policing Chairperson, thanked all the District Community Policing Boards for their unwavering support and encouraged them to work and support the new executive so as to create safer communities by partnering with the police.
The meeting closed with Major General Asaneng indicating that the office of the Provincial Commissioner and Community Safety & Transport Management (COSATMA) are finalising preparations for a Provincial Community Policing Indaba. He also thanked the IEC for facilitating and ensuring successful elections.