The Bothasig Community Policing Forum (CPF) celebrated Mandela Day on Saturday 18 July with two successful community initiatives that demonstrated the power of residents working together, the organisation says.

The day began at 09:00 with a Mandela Day Community Clean-Up, where CPF Community in Blue members, other community organisations, and volunteers dedicated 67 minutes of service to cleaning parks and verges throughout Bothasig, says Mario Borchards, CPF chair. “Their time, hard work, and commitment made a visible difference in our neighbourhood and embodied the spirit of Mandela Day,” he says.

The afternoon continued with their Community Plant Swap & Bingo Afternoon, bringing together residents of all ages for an enjoyable day of community spirit, connection, and fundraising.

The event successfully raised funds towards the installation of surveillance cameras in identified crime hot-spots within the Bothasig precinct, helping to strengthen crime prevention efforts in partnership with the local police, neighbourhood watches, armed response companies, and the community, says Borchards. “Recently, there was a spike in burglaries, so the cameras will assist in prevention.”

This initiative would not have been possible without the generous support of our main sponsors, Rebecca Lourens of Property.CoZa Universal and Aadil Norton of Nando’s Bothasig, whose commitment to our community helped make the event a tremendous success, says Borchards.

“We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, and supported the event. Their generosity and enthusiasm made the day truly special and demonstrated the strength of our community when we work together.”

Borhcards says the CPF remains committed to building a safer, cleaner, and more connected community through partnerships, volunteerism, and proactive crime prevention initiatives. “We look forward to hosting more events that bring residents together while making a lasting difference.”

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