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Claremont residents and businesses alike will rejoice over the much-needed resources boost to the local SAPS unit. A new policing structure has also been put in place to tighten the grip on criminality in the area. On 1st October, Sen. Supt. Gerda van Niekerk, Station Commissioner at Claremont police station, implemented 24 hour sector policing. Essentially this has meant dividing the greater Claremont precinct, an area of 21.71 km2 serving a population of approximately 14531, into four smaller policing areas with a Sector Commander in charge of each sector. This improved structure provides a focus for the effective deployment of SAPS staff.
Since her appointment at Claremont 7 months ago, van Niekerk’s staff complement has increased by 46 members, from 157 to 203 (69 % male and
32 % female). An additional 6 patrol vehicles have also been acquired. She proudly proclaims that since taking on this position, there has been a drastic decrease in the overall crime in the area. The unit’s recent successes can largely be attributed to the fact that staff morale is high - their motivation stemming from their leader, feeding positively off her high energy and enthusiastic attitude.
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Claremont SAPS members with two of the six
new patrol vehicles |
Van Niekerk’s policing style is characterized by her intense personal involvement at all levels of her portfolio. It is this mode of management that has not only earned her the respect of her colleagues, but also led to such remarkable results in a relatively short period of time. Her main focus is to prevent crime before it happens, hence her intention to make policing far more visible, in line with the concept of the “bobby-on-the-beat”. In so doing, she hopes to engender a feeling of trust between the community and SAPS members. “ I want people to familiarize themselves with the names and faces of those patrolling a particular sector.”
“ The importance of community involvement cannot be sufficiently stressed”, says van Niekerk. “They are my eyes and ears, and without input from members of the community, my job would be made so much more difficult. Community members are the ones who know when something strange is going on in their area or if someone looks out of place. I rely heavily on this type of feedback.” She has also implemented initiatives aimed at promoting a close partnership with other security agencies operating in the area, which of course includes the patrolling staff of the CIDC, thus ensuring a united anti-crime front. A key ingredient for success, according to van Niekerk, is to have the fastest response time possible.
Her biggest challenge when she commenced duty at Claremont was to address the escalating hi-jacking problem. This has now been brought under control. Street children continue to present a particularly trying challenge. Her ultimate goal is to reunite them with their parents, although she is the first to admit that this is not always the best solution.
Van Niekerk feels strongly about empowering her staff. “I want them to be able to act as ‘mini’ station commissioners, when I am not around”. She encourages ownership of decision and feels that her staff should at all times be answerable to all aspects of the station. This ensures that the station continues to operate effectively in her absence.
We warmly welcome Sen. Supt. van Niekerk to the district and wish her all the best in her endeavours to make Claremont a safer place for all! |
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Dear Colleagues
The Claremont Clarion is one year old! Congratulations to Lydia van der Merwe of the Executive Connection for her outstanding publication, which every two months should either reach you by e-mail or be delivered directly to your premises. I do hope you are regularly receiving your copy to keep you informed of happenings in and around Claremont Central. If this is not the case please let her know. Her contact details are below.
In this our seventh edition there is more good news especially in our lead story on the front page. Crime is down in Claremont! We currently have forty-six additional police members and six additional patrol vehicles. Most importantly we have a highly competent and motivated Station Commissioner. Our congratulations and thanks to Senior Superintendent Gerda van Niekerk. Claremont is proud of you and your staff - you are all doing a great job. Your commitment is greatly appreciated. We thank God for you and for the difference you are making. |
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Anthony Davies,
Executive Manager
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Building construction continues apace down the Main Road at two sites, one on the corner of Vineyard and the other at the corner of Campground Road. In addition, unseen to many of our readers, is the construction of The Claremont Boulevard parallel to the railway line and the Bus Interchange which is continuing full steam ahead. This is unfortunately causing considerable congestion along the Main Road as for the time being all the taxi and bus traffic has to be routed along this already very busy road.
Whilst we know that building operations, heavy construction vehicles and builders rubble is pushing you off the pavements and is all contributing to severe traffic congestion, we again ask for your patience which will be worth the wait as this work in progress will certainly make Claremont a better place for all!
To conclude with more good news, we report on page 3 on the redevelopment of The Link into Cavendish Connect, which is already looking wonderful and which will be officially opened on Friday 30th November. Isn’t it exciting to see the trees that have already been planted in Dreyer Street? What a difference this is going to make to the heart of Claremont!
Now to all our traders, formal and informal and to our shoppers, I wish you happy shopping for the Festive Season which will soon be upon us.
Anthony Davies
Executive Manager |
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Another major step in the revitalisation of the Claremont business node is fast taking shape. Now under way is the upgrading of Dreyer Street, as part of the R104 million project by Old Mutual Investment Group Property Investments to create Cavendish Connect out of the former The Link Shopping Centre. The project has involved refurbishing the existing retail and mall areas in The Link and the construction of two pedestrian bridges at first floor level to connect Cavendish Connect to Cavendish Square.
Brent Wiltshire, business development executive of OMIGPI, says the bridges are seamless retail links which are critical to energising the first floor of Cavendish Connect while also enhancing Cavendish Square.
The upgrading of Dreyer Street, on to which Cavendish Connect opens, will contribute to the Four Squares concept in which the four major urban spaces in the business district are linked via pedestrian friendly landscaped connections. |
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A rendition of the trader kiosks in Dreyer Street |
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As one of these links, between Warwick Square and Sanclare, Dreyer Street is being brick-paved between Cavendish Connect and Cavendish Square and 11-metre-high liquid amber trees have been planted at the intersection of Dreyer Street and Vineyard Road to create a green lung around what will be a popular restaurant corner.
Also under way is the construction of 36 kiosk structures, designed in consultation with Dreyer Street traders. These will be located in the roofed area between the pedestrian bridges, thus affording the traders weather protection in an organised environment.
The paving of Dreyer Street between the two centres will be partially completed this year, with final work being done in 2008, so as not to affect end-of-year trading.
Cavendish Connect, where some new additions to the retail mix have already begun trading, will be officially opened on November 30. |
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Sen. Supt. Gerda van Niekerk |
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Startlingly blue eyes and golden locks are scarcely the image one envisages when preparing to meet with the newly appointed Station Commissioner of Claremont SAPS. A tall, statuesque woman, Senior Superintendent Gerda van Niekerk has an undeniable presence - one that has had an indelible impact on the precinct since her arrival there on 1 April this year.
A day in the life of this extremely capable woman, would leave your head spinning. Although her formal workday is from 7h30 to 16h00, it is rare that these are the hours worked. She is on call 24/7 and typically, is more likely to be found on the road, than in the office. Her record boasts an arrest within 10 minutes of being out on patrol. A steep benchmark for her underlings, indeed.
Van Niekerk entered the police force at the age of 18 and has been in the SAPS ever since. She could not conceive of tackling any other kind of work. “If I was not employed by SAPS, I would probably be a housewife, but still fighting crime with my broomstick”, she jokes. “I am passionate about what I do. Every morning I am excited about going to work and the challenges ahead. The motivation for what you do should not be for the recognition likely to come out of it, but rather for the passion of it. Reward and recognition will follow as a matter of course”. Of her own career, she admits that it has taken 17 years to gain recognition. Her passion is clearly evident.
Although neither her parents were involved in policing, her three siblings (two sisters and a brother) are all connected in one way or another to the police force. She has been a strong role model, but stresses that they have achieved success within their own areas on their own merit. Despite her hectic work schedule, family is very important to van Niekerk. She is thankful for a supportive husband, himself a member of the dog unit, who takes charge on the domestic front and supervises their 9-year old daughter. An avid sports fan - participant and spectator - she excelled at netball on both a provincial and national level. Her next challenge is golf, a game that she is keen to tackle as it would challenge her on an individual level.
Van Niekerk has received a number of career accolades: Station Commissioner of the year runner up (2005/2006); Service Excellence Award for women in the Western Cape (2006); National Prestige Award for Women within the SAPS (2006) and Commendation by National Commissioner of the SAPS (2006). |
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Heady aromas of chocolate and coffee assail the senses at the Chocolate Café, situated in Corwen Street, and if Death by Chocolate, or chocolate croissants washed down with cappuccino sound like heaven, then this is the place for you.
The Chocolate Café has something for everyone. Offering an array of indulgences - home made truffles, fresh fudge daily, a chocolate fountain, choc chip cookies - to name but a few, these sweet treats are guaranteed to pick you up. Sit down and enjoy an aromatic cup of coffee, whilst being entertained by the process of fudge making happening right before you. Or sit down and enjoy a light meal in the form of salads and toasted sandwiches. If you are in a hurry to get to work, take-away toasted sandwiches, muffins, croissants and coffee or hot chocolate are available to go.
The Chocolate Café also specializes in confectionery gifting, so if you need to buy that special someone something special, why not opt for a sweet-inspired gift pack made up to your specifications. Corporate gift packs can also be made to order.
The Chocolate Café is open from 08h30 to 17h30, Monday to Friday; Saturdays from 09h00 to 1500. All major credit cards are accepted. Visit The Chocolate Café in Corwen Street, Tel: 021 671 2148 |
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The soothing, trickling sounds of a relaxing water feature greet you as you enter Café More. Opened just four months ago, Café More is housed in one of the delightfully restored Victorian semis, in The Lane off Cavendish Street, that typify this quaintly picturesque area. The restaurant has a number of interleading rooms, offering an ideal venue choice for private daytime functions, such as a business breakfast or “lunch with the girls”. The charming, tranquil courtyard with its rosy floral theme offers further seating options.
Café More serves delectable “all day” breakfasts, such as the “more royale”, consisting of two poached eggs, smoked salmon, croissant and hollandaise sauce to the “more choice” - French toast served with marscapone, banana, chopped nuts and flower honey. Lunchtime options include a tempting selection of salads, sandwiches and pastas, made from mouth-watering ingredients such as honey roasted chicken and pan-fried butter mushrooms.
Although not open in the evening, bookings of 8 or more can be accommodated for pre-arranged dinners.
Café More
No 2, The Lane, Cavendish Street
Tel 021 671 4766 / 072 7908 820 |
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The relaxing outdoor area at Café More
Café More’s owner-chef, Reynold Henkel, in the picturesque courtyard with one of his delectable chocolate cakes, which can be made to order
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Claremont
Improvement District Company
Upper Ground Floor, Stadium on Main
PO Box 24063, Claremont 7735
Tel: (021) 674-0639 Fax: (021) 674 1533
Executive Manager: A H V Davies E-mail: davies@cidc.co.za
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This newsletter
has been compiled and produced on behalf of the CIDC by
The Executive Connection (021) 671 4297 / 082 2241 222
E-mail: executiveconnection@iafrica.com
If you have any comments or suggestions, please e-mail claremontcentral@iafrica.com
If you wish to unsubscribe to this newsletter please click here |
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