Six CCID security officers were recently awarded Officer of the Month status by CCID safety & security manager Muneeb Hendricks at a ceremony held at the CCID operations office.
Officers Xolani Mack, Mzuvikile Siyazi and Phiwe Mangcole (pictured above), as well as Nkosinathi Moyekiso, Bongiwe Paka and Jemellio Maroeping were honoured with Officer of the Month awards.
The award is judged by such diverse criteria as the officer’s attendance records, conduct and the number of arrests they have made (or preventative measures they taken) over the period of a month. “These officers are not being recognised just for arriving on time and getting the job done,” explains Safety & Security manager Muneeb Hendricks, “but also because they went above and beyond the call of duty and displayed a willingness to always help.”
Bongiwe, a mother of six who lives in Philippi, says that the job has taught her a lot: “This job has made me stronger. I am already a strong woman but it made me stronger and it also made me patient. I like to help people on the streets and even in the case of vagrants, sometimes you also form a relationship with these people and you listen to their stories and feel sympathy. I also have my own story, when I come to work I am doing it for one reason – my kids.”
Nkosinathi , who has worked as a CCID security officer for 18 months, says that he took the job because he wanted to help stop crime. He believes that CCID security officers play a vital role on the streets: “We are the ones who help the tourists, especially the ones who don’t know Cape Town very well. We look after them.”
Phiwe, who has worked for the CCID for three years, says that he likes the fact that his job allows him to be outside and interact with people. “I get to work in the open space, not at a desk, and at the same time I like to help the people. In this job you meet many different kinds of people.”
Jemellio, another of the officers honoured at the event, pointed out that that being a CCID officer requires specialised skills. “You have to be able to respect your colleagues and the senior officers but you also have to respect the people in the streets. I think it is also important that you are able to identify suspicious behaviour and act quickly when you see something.”
Speaking after the ceremony Muneeb described the role of the officers as integral to keeping the streets of Cape Town Central City safe. “These are people on the ground who make things happen, and it’s not an easy job to do well. We want to make sure that our officers are recognised and feel valued for their hard work.”
The award will become a monthly event from April.
Words: Ambre Nicolson