Akasia CPF goes beyond crime prevention to support community

The Citizen

26-04-2025

Akasia CPF goes beyond crime prevention to support community
The Akasia Community Policing Forum (CPF) has transformed its greenhouse into a thriving food security project, offering a fresh lifeline to struggling families in the area.
Once associated primarily with neighbourhood patrols and crime prevention, the Akasia CPF is now also cultivating vegetables and planting seeds of change.
Akasia CPF spokesperson Lerato Makwe said the initiative aims to tackle food insecurity in areas such as Bundu Inn and the surrounding areas.
'This project is about more than just plants. It's about dignity, hope and survival.
'Thanks to the generous donation of plants and seedlings from Malanseuns Wholesale Nursery, we are growing food to ensure that no family in our community goes to bed hungry,' said Makwe.
The donated plants, which include spinach, tomatoes, cabbage, and herbs, are being nurtured inside a community greenhouse that has quickly become a beacon of hope.
The produce grown will be used to support local food parcel drives, soup kitchens, and even generate income for CPF-led community initiatives.
She said the CPF's partnership with local businesses reflects a growing trend of corporate social responsibility in the area, where businesses are stepping up to assist grassroots organisations with meaningful and sustainable interventions.
Makwe added that the greenhouse initiative also aims to integrate social development into community policing.
She hoped the project would not only fill empty stomachs but also serve as a platform for education, engagement and empowerment.
'We plan to eventually expand the greenhouse and offer gardening workshops to residents.
'By teaching practical skills in urban agriculture, the initiative hopes to inspire self-sufficiency among community members.'
Jimie Malan of Malanseuns Wholesale Nursery said the nursery is very positive about projects with the CPF, as they help to provide for and educate the community.
'It teaches the community how easy it is to make a small income from your backyard by planting vegetables.
'The project is important because it also teaches our children from a young age to work with nature,' said Malan.
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