The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola hosted the Youth Crime Prevention Desk Launch at the Tol Speelman Community Hall in Upington on 06 July and 07 July 2023.
The event was held under the theme “On a journey to a safer South Africa through youth participation in the fight against crime.”
Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola was accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner for Policing, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga and the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, Major General Mmantsheke Lekhele, the Head of Ministry for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Mr Vincent Diratsele, District Commissioners, Provincial Heads, senior officers, the Provincial Community Police Board, District Community Police Forums and the youth.
The aim of the event is to empower the youth to become self-sufficient and actively involved in crime fighting initiatives.
Day one of the event started with the opening prayer by the District Chaplain, Warrant Officer Titus followed by the welcoming remarks rendered by the District Board Chairperson for ZFM, Mr Clement Baai.
The introduction of different districts was done by Sergeant RA Leukes. Ms Portia Mabuya delivered the acknowledgements, nominations and confirmations.
The report of the outgoing structure was presented by Ms Andisiwe Mdlana.
The five integrated youth strategy pillars includes Community Policing, Moral Fibre Investment, Youth Empowerment and Development, Disabled and Vulnerable Youth Empowerment and International Relations.
The Provincial PRO, Mr Themba Gomba allocated the attendees to their respective strategy commissions during which active participation and deliberations were the order of the day.
Day two of the event commenced with the opening prayer by Chaplain Mosetle, followed by the welcoming remarks by the Acting District Commissioner for ZFM, Brigadier Peet Coetzee.
The Introductions were done by Brigadier Irene Kopeledi, Provincial for Pro-Active Policing, followed by the purpose of the meeting by the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Ngubelanga.
The recap of day one was done by the Provincial Youth Coordinator, Sergeant Mokotjo.
Mr Gomba led the chosen representatives into giving feedback from the five strategy pillars. The messages of support were from the Provincial Board Member, Mr Jacobus April and Interim Provincial Secretary, Ms Andisiwe Mdlalana.
Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola delivered the keynote address during which she emphasized how the youth has work to do regarding fighting crime in our communities, not only certain places in the province but they must include rural areas as well. General Otola quoted Maya Angelou, “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them”.
The election of the Provincial Crime Prevention Youth Desk commenced and newly appointed members were elected as follows Manwilhe Qwetywa as the Chairperson, Thabang Mocwagole as Deputy Chairperson, Vusumzi Mocwagole as Secretary, Jasinta Sal as Deputy Secretary, Obakeng Nikwe as Public Relations Officer and the additional members included Dimakatso Gaotlhope, Charmone van Schalkwyk, Lihle Gweyi and Hernrich Jacobs.
The programme concluded with the vote of thanks by Brigadier Kopeledi and the District Chaplain, Warrant Officer Titus ended the event with a prayer.