Bonnievale CPF named Community Police Forum of the year

The Western Cape Provincial Community Police Board has made history with the inaugural Excellence Awards held in Fish Hoek, where Bonnievale was named the Community Police Forum (CPF) of the Year.

The Western Cape Provincial Community Police (CPF) Board hosted its first-ever Excellence Awards on Saturday.

According to the CPF Board’s Rafique Foflonker, the ceremony marked a historic milestone as the first recognition event of its kind rolled out in the Western Cape.

“The gala event brought together the full spectrum of the safety value chain, representing a massive collaboration between the CPF Board, with representatives from the Western Cape's 152 policing precincts, SAPS members, Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) groups, Community in Blue (CIB) volunteers, and dedicated community members,” he said.

The awards honoured those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty:

1. Volunteer of the Year - June Adendorf, Bonnievale
2. CPF of the Year - Bonnievale CPF
3. Outstanding Leadership in Community Policing - David Harris, Table View CPF
4. Best Partnership with SAPS - Khayelitsha CPF
5. Best NHW or CIB Team Collaboration - Brackenfell CPF
6. Best CPF Driven Social Upliftment Program - Grootbrak CPF
7. Youth Empowerment in Community Policing - Shiree Steyn, Kleinvlei CPF
8. Best Leadership in Law Enforcement Management: Awarded to Brigadier Jayce Naidoo, Station Commander of Manenberg SAPS
9. Chairperson Award - Youth Crime Prevention Desk - Mr. Cameron Jantjies

Foflonker said the core theme of the evening was the removal of boundaries between formal law enforcement and civilian volunteers. “The awards highlighted that on the frontlines of crime-fighting, there is no distinction between a volunteer and a police officer, both risking their lives with equal passion to ensure the safety of the Western Cape citizens,” he added. 

“The inclusion of Brigadier Jayce Naidoo of Manenberg SAPS underscores the critical leadership required in some of the city's most challenging policing environments. The success of this partnership creating collaboration was evident at the ceremony and proves that when SAPS and the community operate as a single unit, the impact on crime is 'forward-moving' and unstoppable.”

In receiving his award for best leadership, Manenberg’s police spokesperson Captain Ian Bennett said Brigadier Naidoo is a crime fighter by nature: “He is a crime fighter by instinct, a gentleman by nature, and a spiritual guide by calling. Brigadier Naidoo is a rare blend of strength and humility.

"He does not flinch in the face of criminality. Instead, he mobilises every available resource, every partner, and every ounce of energy to dismantle the strongholds of crime, confronting gang leadership head-on."

Chairperson of the Khayelitsha CPF, Phindile George, represented the CPF to accept the awards as nominated by the public.

“This is a testament that hard community work might not bring financial remuneration to us as volunteers, but indeed some within society see the great efforts being put in by ordinary volunteers who put their lives on the line to ensure that there is peace and stability in our communities,” said George.

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