Female leadership drives CPF’s safety efforts in Welkom

The Community Policing Forum (CPF) in Welkom is gaining recognition for its ongoing commitment to keeping residents safe, with women in-creasingly stepping into leadership roles despite demanding work and family lives.

The CPF recently marked a milestone when the first two patrol rides of the month were led by Elizabeth Nunes, public relations officer of CPF Welkom. “Her leadership showed that protecting the community is not about being a man or a woman – it is about being committed,” says Dirk Kotzè, chairperson of CPF Welkom.

Bettie Cordier is another example of this dedication. She works as a CPF dispatcher in the control room, but in her free time she volunteers to patrol the streets and assist at events such as the flea market. As a committee member, she gives her time, petrol and energy because she believes in serving the community.

For CPF members, community means more than simply sharing the same neighbourhood. Sector 4 patroller Jack Sethibe says it is about caring for each other and living in peace. This spirit has inspired initiatives such as ride-along programmes in Riebeeck-stad and Bedelia.

“CPF members serve as the eyes and ears of Welkom,” says Stefan De Wet, chairperson of Sector 4. Solly Ver-maak, the public relations officer for Sector 4, echoes this sentiment: “They respond swiftly to reports of sus-picious activity, helping to prevent house robberies and ensure public events remain safe.”

CPF Welkom was named Best Contributor at the recent Mielie Marathon, supporting the Anco Ultramarathon with patrols and marshalling as well. The CPF Sector 4 runs an open community walking group, creating a safe space for residents to exercise. To join, please contact Carien Olivier on 064 125 9837 or Barinda Botha on 066 070 4340.

Deur Cadesla de Bruin