A Mitchells Plain pensioner was the star of the show at the City’s Neighbourhood Watch Awards after walking away with two top awards.
Valerie Moses, 71, a member of the Rocklands Neighbourhood Watch for over 18 years, was shocked when she won the crime fighter of the year and courage in action awards after being nominated by her community and fellow members.
“On Saturday night, we had a meeting at the Mitchells Plain SAPS boardroom and I had no idea that I won.
“When I walked into the room, I heard people saying, ‘hier kom sy nou,’ and then they just started clapping,” she says.
“Next thing I know I was told to stand at the front of the room and then they gave me the awards.
“They all made such a big fuss about it but I am not one whose eyes grow big.
“I do what I do for the community and I especially live to serve the children.”
As part of the prize, Valerie received a portable camera along with two certificates, two trophies, two walkie-talkie pouches and a new walkie-talkie – something she is never without.
“I am the group’s controller so I get all the calls on my one walkie-talkie radio and I also have a smaller one because I do patrols and then I also have three cellphones that I keep on me at all times in my backpack.
“I am available 24/7 and even if I am not in the area, I always have my radio with me so that people can contact me.”
Aunty Val, as she is known in the area, can be seen walking from her home in Sapphire Crescent in Rocklands till as far as Westgate Mall – 5.8km – no matter the weather or time.
“When I get the call, then I go out, no matter where it is in the area, and people come to my door at all hours for everything from shooting to fires, or anything that is happening.
“My three boys are all out of the house now but my youngest, Neil, used to get worried and would sometimes walk with me, but my family knows that I am there for my community.
“Before, I always used to fetch the children in the area to come and play by my house and that is something I was doing from young already.
“I just love looking after the kids and sometimes I will get clothes or food for them to either have by me or drop by their houses.”
Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith, says the City is proud of all the winners.
“The members who received awards today, not only excelled in their communities, but they are also a motivation to other members to work as a team and also to individually contribute to a safer, caring environment,” he says.