Silvertown Neighbourhood Watch hosted its first market day on Saturday August 3 to raise funds for stipends for patrollers.
Nasira Clarke, the secretary of the watch, said they asked stallholders to pay R50 each for their space at the market day. This money will go towards paying three watch members a stipend to patrol near bus stops during the morning and evening peak hours.
“People – children and adults – are being robbed on their way to or from work or school. Not many are also keen to join the neighbourhood watch, as they fear for their safety. However, a service like ours is needed in our community. There are times that we are being threatened, but we need to do this,” Ms Clarke said.
The market day was held at Silverlea Primary School, and Ms Clarke expressed their gratitude to the principal and school governing body for allowing them to use the space. She also thanked the Bridgetown and Parktown neighbourhood watches for their support, as the three watches often collaborate when it comes to fighting crime.
Another reason the watch is hosting fund-raisers, said Ms Clarke, is that they also want to reach out to the pensioners in their community.
“As we would like to take back our streets, so we would also like to give back to our community. There are many pensioners struggling to make ends meet, and if we can assist by providing some food, or even money towards their electricity, it will make a difference. We are hoping to have the market day once a month, but we need the community’s buy-in if we want it to be successful,” Ms Clarke said.
The Silvertown Neighbourhood Watch was established three years ago, and also works in association with the Silvertown Civic Association.