LOOTING and vandalism are short-sightedness that has detrimental repercussions on the economy and job losses.
These firm words were from Sandile Adam, chairperson of the Despatch Community Policing Forum, who together with the local taxi industry, the diverse residents of Despatch, sector police and various role players joined forces with the police and organised a motorcade through Despatch.
“This was done to let all residents know that unity is what is needed in protecting the little infrastructure we have, properties, jobs, and lives against looting,” said Adam.
“Despatch has a character of its own and a good spirit in terms of unity and cohesion. I like the energy that I am finding here among the people, regardless of race. We respect one another, we protect one another.
“Primarily there is an underlying responsibility when you are in a leadership position. I believe that if the wind blows from the west, leadership must navigate the opposite direction in the interest of its constituency. Like an eagle, leadership must see things from a different perspective,” said Adam.
“We have seen what happened with the looting. People were carried along with the wind of destruction, and in their temporary enjoyment they contributed to massive destruction. Their behaviour has serious consequences for the future; they have exposed themselves and others to poverty, destroyed what little they had, and it will take ages if ever to re-establish that infrastructure.”
These scenes urged Adam and his CPF leadership to speak to local leadership of various stakeholders about the safety of Despatch, Daleview and Khayamnandi and the unity needed.
“All responded very positively. We then sent a video, informing, and inviting the community to join the motorcade through the streets. Notwithstanding the short notice time, the turnout of the people of Despatch in their diversity were extremely good.
“Residents came and said, ‘Sandile, wat nou in ons land aangaan is nie reg nie … ons is daar … ons ondersteun jou.’ That was wonderful and I said ‘Let us go and defend this beautiful town of ours. We cannot let Despatch be destroyed by people who are short-sighted, to a point of increasing unemployment and poverty in our area. What we have must be preserved and protected,” said Adam.
Although it seems that the storm of looting has passed, Despatch CPF and police said that they have asked all stakeholders and the community always to be on alert and informed; and that the strategies of collaborations they have are in place if emergency strikes.
“As a chairperson I wish to thank all for their excellent cooperation in reacting as an integrated united force of Despatch in diversity,” said Adam.
Morné Eyre, a businessman from Despatch, in a WhatsApp video that went viral, thanked Adam for his proactive engagement.
Eyre said: “If you know Despatch and the history of South Africa, this is the first time … and remember this was a wish from the former President, Nelson Mandela to get the nation united … Sandile, for the first time in my life I felt this morning like there was a margin of unity. Thank you for what you have done.
“Thank you for the ability provided from your side to get the guys to protect our town from looting. In the other provinces, Gauteng, Kwa-Zulu Natal, there was so much destruction. It was an extremely destructive force that brought the economy to a halt. You prevented that today, and I salute you for that. May God bless you. Thank you.”
Ross Shelton, Pick n Pay Despatch franchisee, also showed his appreciation of the initiative.
“It is great that the whole community stands together against any criminal activity. The fact that we can all stand toget-her as South Africans actually shows who we are as South Africans,” said Shelton.
