Shakir Smith, current chair of the Parow West Neighbourhood Watch, was recently elected as the new chair of the Parow Community Policing Forum. This comes after the resignation of the former chair, Deon Maneveld.
Smith, who moved to Parow 18 years ago, was elected on Tuesday 23 August at an elective meeting held at the Tabernacle of Praise Church. Other positions that were available include that of vice-chair, treasurer and secretary.
The father and husband, who describes himself as a hard worker, says he always goes out on patrols and since being chair of the Parow West Neighbourhood Watch, he missed maybe four patrols. “I want to lead by example,” he said.
Smith (65) is also a ward committee member for safety and security and was the former subforum chair for all the neighbourhood watches in the area. He also serves on the Camps Bay High School governing body.
“I have no idea what awaits me now that I am chair of the CPF. How do I feel about the new role? I am surprised and excited about the new role. I think it is going to be a challenge in the best way possible,” he said.
He says his wife and family support him 100%.
“I am flattered that I was nominated and elected.”
Smith says the greater Parow is in a state of decay and that he wants to hold those responsible, accountable. He says he believe the CPF can rise to the occasion.
“I believe I can do the job.”
He says credit should also be given to a lot of other people, including the patrollers who go out and put their life on the line.
“They are the ones who make me look good.”
Smith says he expects a lot from his new position.
“I get to speak to the cluster and the police station commander, I also will get the opportunity to work closer with the ward councillors. The challenges are big, but we will tackle them head-on. We do not want excuses, we want results.”
He says they will continue to work closely with private security companies and also the individual neighbourhood watches in the hope that they can all work as one.
The rest of the vacant posts were filled by Bronwin Daniels (vice-chair) and Stefan Carstens (treasurer). Rozeena Jakoet remains on as the secretary.
