The important role of men and women in uniform was highlighted during a prayer service held for these special human beings who selflessly serve the various communities of the Helderberg.
The event took place at Faith Chapel in Fifth Street in Rusthof last Thursday (17 August).
Pastor Carlo Ingham opened the service and welcomed everyone from the various safety industries including the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement, the police, members of the local community policing forum, security officials, traffic officers, Department of Correctional Services officials and religious leaders from various churches throughout the area.
Robin Maripan of the Department of Correctional Services, who lit three candles at the prayer service, said the candlelighting ceremony was not linked to a specific church.
“The purpose of the first candle is to remember colleagues lost in the line of duty,” he explained. “The second candle commemorates the month of August and the importance of women in our lives. There is no home without the presence of a woman. The third candle I will light is for the community of Strand. All of us here serve this community. These candles will remind us to be a light for other people.”
John Filander of Fidelity ADT addressed everyone at the prayer service on behalf of the security cluster. “Many a times we are confronted by the question ‘Is it safe?’ and we know it is not. But still we get up and do our jobs. I salute everyone here. I honour you.”
In between the speeches Pastor Michael Fingers got everyone to stand up and sing along to gospel songs while Janine Frieslaar from Dance Ministry captivated those present with a dance-item that celebrated the importance of women.
The prayer service for men and women in uniform was established by Maripan and Apostle Manfred Jumat in Strand last year.
“We want to see this as an annual event in the Helderberg,” said Maripan. “This is one of the ways where we can all unite. We can show everyone that we are together in this fight against crime. We need to come together as often as possible because this not only unites us but it shows our communities that we stand together.”
He further mentioned next year’s service is planned for August, and that this service is essential because men and women in uniform needed to be praised for the selfless work they do daily.
