Crime-fighting heroes from Hanover Park were rewarded for their efforts in uplifting their
community at an appreciation ceremony on Sunday.
The event, hosted by the Hanover Park Minister’s Fraternal saw neighbourhood watch patrollers, police, paramedics, health workers and organisations being thanked for their dedication and service their community.
Pastor Mark Napoleon says the ceremony was held at the Upper Room Family Worship Centre where community heroes enjoyed a light supper.
“We sent out invitations and we held the ceremony to thank them for the work they do in Hanover Park,” he says.
“We had police, paramedics, patrollers, Metro Police, traffic cops and people from the day hospitals all come together for a thanksgiving service.
“We wanted to show them that the community appreciates what they do because they hardly get recognised. Each person and organisation was given a certificate on the day.”
REWARD: Crime-fighting heroes from Hanover Park were rewarded for their efforts in uplifting their community. Photo: Supplied
Among the recipients was top cop, Lieutenant-Colonel Dawood Laing, who represented Philippi Police Station and who says he believes Hanover Park has some of the best public servants.
“There is a lot of services in Hanover Park but I believe we have some of the best people working here. Especially the day hospital,” Laing says.
“I have medical aid but I don’t go to a private hospital, I go there because I know they will look after me.
“We (public servants) are being bad-mouthed and we are ‘doing everything wrong’ but that is nothing for us because we are doing it for the same people who are bad-mouthing us.”
The Blomvlei Neighbourhood Watch also received a certificate and chairperson, Sadeeka Valentine, says they were surprised when they were called up.
“It was so unexpected, we didn’t know that it was awards they were giving. We got an invite and we went as the Watch and all the ladies were shouting when they called us up,” she says.
“We patrol and do what we can to keep our people safe and we do it because we believe in our work.
“We didn’t expect the certificate but we appreciate that they took note of what we do because it’s not always easy and sometimes it’s
dangerous for us.”