The newly-elected executive committee of the Sea Point Community Police Forum (CPF) wants to breathe new life into the organisation and become more active in the area.

The new committee was voted in by a small group of attendees at the CPF’s AGM, held at Sea Point High School yesterday, Thursday March 6, and will serve to better partnerships between police and the community, help address community concerns and hold police accountable.

Newly elected chairperson Simon Dippenaar took over the reins from Heather Tager, while Amanda Hattingh was elected as project manager; Graham Louw as treasurer and Julyan Symons as secretary.

Mr Dippenaar, who used to live in Sea Point but now lives in the city centre, said he was an active member of the CPF for 12 years, having lived in Sea Point while he was a student, and then staying at an apartment in the area after he became a lawyer.

He also previously served as treasurer for the Sea Point CPF, and therefore was familiar with the officers and ranks at Sea Point police station.

He said while he was not expecting to be nominated as the new chair, he was keen to take on the responsibility, especially in light of the dwindling interest, brought to the fore by the less than 15 people who attended the meeting.

Mr Dippenaar said while this happened in community structures, he felt that if someone was in a position of influence and the call came, “you should answer it”.

“I felt like I wanted to commit myself to this community because it has a special place in my heart - I was here for most of my foundation years.”

He also said the lack of attendance was symbolic of the issues that the CPF faces - a lack of participation, engagement and interest - perhaps because people don't know how to participate.

“There is a need to raise awareness about what people should be paying attention to and how they can help.”

He was determined to build new relationships in the community in the hope that it would change the levels of disengagement.

“The saying goes that if you want something done, then do it.”

Mr Dippenaar said he wanted to lead with trust in the police while constructively holding them accountable, but at the same time, to be empathetic and bring solutions to the table.

“Let’s be supportive in our oversight role of the police and of the safety of the community, and hopefully this way we can foster the best positive and productive relationships possible.”

CPF sub-district chairperson Gerhard Engelbrecht encouraged the new committee to stay committed. “This is not an easy task - your job is very important.”

He said it was important that the CPF nourishes its partnerships, because the police do not have the capacity to work on their own. “We have to take hands.”

The new committee will receive all the necessary training, and will hold their first community meeting before the end of the financial year, on a date to be confirmed.

Sea Point police spokesperson Captain Cyril Dicks said the attendance of their AGM was not good, however, there was a quorum and the new committee was elected.

He said the station management has welcomed the new committee, which had a vast knowledge of projects and management styles which is needed.

“The station management has their full support in strengthening the partnerships and working methodologies within the area. We look forward to working together for the better of the future of the Sea Point community.”

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