Latest news with #AkasiaCPF
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Akasia CPF leads way in combating xenophobia through community-based training
Akasia CPF leads way in combating xenophobia through community-based training The Akasia Community Policing Forum (CPF) has taken proactive steps to address xenophobia and racial intolerance at grassroots level. This is a bid to assist and support police with the issue of increasing migration and local resources such as community structures which have been stretched thin. The aim is also to support local law enforcement agencies, which are increasingly encountering the fallout, rising mistrust and racially motivated incidents where violence flares up. The CPF recently participated in a ground-breaking workshop designed to equip members with tools and knowledge needed to tackle these challenges head-on. The workshop, funded by the Constitutionalism Fund, was part of a broader initiative that aligns with the objectives of South Africa's National Action Plan (NAP) to Combat Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerances. According to Project and Research Officer of the African Civilian Oversight Forum Vuyokazi Yokwe, this was prompted by escalating community tensions and the urgent need for prevention-based interventions that go beyond rhetoric and begin to address the structural drivers of intolerance. 'There was a clear gap in structured, practical interventions that equip community leaders with tools to proactively address xenophobia and racial division. 'Local CPFs had been reporting an increase in hate-related incidents, and the need for action was undeniable,' said Yokwe. Akasia CPF was selected as a key participant because of its strategic role in local safety structures. Yokwe said that as a trusted link between law enforcement and the community, CPFs are uniquely positioned to drive social cohesion from within. 'Their intimate understanding of local dynamics, coupled with their established presence, makes them ideal agents for promoting inclusivity and addressing the root causes of conflict. 'Unlike typical awareness campaigns, this workshop was specifically tailored for CPFs and designed with a focus on capacity building.' The programme used adult-based learning techniques, including case studies, storytelling, role plays, and group problem-solving exercises. These methods enabled CPF members to reflect on their own experiences, challenge preconceived notions, and co-create actionable solutions. The training also drew from the ecological model of crime prevention, an approach that views violence and intolerance as outcomes of interconnected factors across individual, family, community, and societal levels. This holistic lens helped participants identify how personal biases, social pressures, and structural inequalities contribute to xenophobia, and what multi-level strategies can be deployed in response. Yokwe said real-life case scenarios were used to ensure relevance and emotional resonance, allowing members to engage deeply with the material. 'We've seen that immigration issues and safety concerns are interconnected. 'Future sessions should expand the reach of this work so more communities are empowered to respond to hate and discrimination with unity and purpose.' Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The Citizen
26-04-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Akasia CPF goes beyond crime prevention to support community
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. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
