'My child is your child' — Community heroes spread Christmas cheer and safety message

CHRISTMAS cheer came with a warning as community heroes urged kinders and parents in Phumlani Village to keep their eyes peeled during the festive season.

Community worker Beryl Williams, fondly known as Aunty Girly, treated needy kids to a Christmas feast of chicken curry and rice and a vegetable pot on 16 December.

She also handed out 140 party packets with an ice lolly and juice. She thanked Pick n Pay Constantia who provided the cake, fresh fruit rolls, doughnuts and many more times.

Not only did Aunty Girly fill their tiny tummies but also told them to be careful when they play outside. This comes after the abduction of Anovuyo Oncke in September, with the search for the missing meisie still ongoing.  

Williams said: “If you see something, say something. Try to save your friend, if you see an individual around the kids that they don’t know scream. As die skote klap die Kersfees val plat.

“Take care of your siblings, and remember that my child is your child and your child is my child.”

Another local hero Rudy Roman from Lotus River, who stopped an attempted kidnapping of a five- year-old meisie from the informal settlement along with his chommie Faanie Olivier just last month, also told ouers to be vigilant with their children.

Roman said: “Always look where your children are and to make sure they are okay, because this world outside is cruel. Children get lost, stolen and raped so always be vigilant.

“It is festive, but a lot of things are happening outside so we must just be careful.”

Williams is also preparing meals for the homeless in Constantia saying she always cooks a week before Christmas.