Cadets drilled, school bands performed and firefighters and police dogs put on displays during a community parade at the Ocean View multi-purpose centre on Saturday.
SAPS, City Law Enforcement, Disaster Risk Management, and the False Bay Ambulance Services were all involved in the event organised by the Wynberg Community Police Forum (CPF) cluster board.
Fish Hoek CPF chairman Jonathan Mills said neighbourhoods would be safer if more people participated in community service.
“This event is about targeting the youth in Ocean View and promoting the idea of serving the community, whether it be on a volunteer basis or thinking about getting a job in the emergency services. There is a myriad of ways to serve one’s community.
“We want to highlight some of those ways and we want to uplift and put the spotlight on things like the Ocean View cadets and marching bands that instil discipline, commitment and teamwork.”
SAPS provincial head for gender-based violence and victim empowerment Lieutenant Colonel Taswell Paulse and Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Reagen Allen were guest speakers.
Colonel Paulse encouraged the youth to stay in school and take part in school bands and cadets. He applauded parents who were involved and present in their children’s lives.
Mr Allen commended initiatives that keep young people away from gangsterism and drugs.
