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When are people going to start taking responsibility for their actions?
21st September, 2009
It seems that lately, the trend is to stuff up and then deny everything, even under the weight of overwhelming evidence. Our leaders, judges and prominent people of society do it, so why would the rest of us be any different?
Just by using a loophole in the system, to avoid conviction, does not mean you are not guilty. Yet, we justify our actions and manage to convince ourselves that we are right, believing our own lies. Have we stopped teaching our children to ask themselves the hard questions before accusing and pointing fingers at others?
I have heard on far too many occasions, that it’s “not my problem”, “let the police do their work”, and my favourite, “I don’t want to get involved”. Why not? Why would you not want to get involved in something as important as your personal safety?
Then, when some people do get involved, they look for so much credit and gratitude, that to work with them is just not worth it. They interrupt meetings, talk over others because in their own ears their voice makes the most sense. Yet these same people will never ask themselves the hard questions. Crazy if you ask me.
After coming up with a reward program for the police and security guards, I’ve been told by certain people that it’s too much and we cannot reward both the police and security guards, which means one of the incentives has to stop. This narrow minded approach to incentives is our downfall. The reason why some people don't credit their peers when they have done something worthwhile, is that their peers might shine brighter than themselves. Give me a break !!
The head of prosecutors in Somerset West will not meet with the public because she will not “have stones thrown at her”. She’s obviously never asked herself the hard questions. “As manager, I am responsible for my division and the people that work in it”. No, not in this world, here we just shrug our shoulders and say “they stuffed up, not me”.
This war of ours will not be won overnight, it will take time, lots of dedication and commitment to the task at hand. The civilians who are patrolling in their neighbourhoods, are offering a great service to their community and deserve a huge thank you. That’s where it starts, being visible, involved and pro-active. As for the rest of the task, we will keep picking fights and more importantly, ask the hard questions.
Andrew Cosmopoulos
18th September, 2009
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Dear Chairman
Most people would agree with there being awards for the SAPS as well as the Security Company guards. And why not? People who do a stirling job of work should be acknowledged and thanked. After all, people are always quick to criticise.
But then, on the other hand, those who continually criticize will, like the poor , always be with us.
There are valid complaints out there, but few people are willing to get off their butts and do something about it. They are part of the problem - not the solution.
Reminds one of the parallel of crayfish in a basket. As soon as an enterprising one manages to scale the side of the basket to make his way out of the mire, others pull him down.
How like human beings!
Thank you all for a stirling job of work. We salute you.
Beatrice
Mr Chairman thank you for doing such an amazing and yet unfortunately too often a thankless job. On behalf of us residents, WE SALUTE YOU! Long may you continue in your quest to help us all to be be able to live, work and play in Somerset West in safety.
Regarding the Prosecutor not wanting to meet with the public. What a cop-out! (excuse the pun)
Other prosecuters are willing to engage with the public. WHY NOT OURS? See the below public invite (Wynberg) as an example:
Diepriver CPF open public meeting - Guest Speaker - Public Prosecutor
Location: Westcott Primary School
Start Date and Time: 13/08/2009 19:30:00
Our Guest Speaker will be Hope Olivier, Acting Senior State Public Prosecutor, Wynberg.
She will deliver an address to members of the public that will cover issues such as:
• What happens when the suspect gets to the court from prison?
• On what basis is bail granted?
• Is the granting of bail affected by a perceived lack of prison facilities, a lack of a functioning rehabilitation process?
• Why does the court roll never appear to start on time?
• What frustrations and problems do the court and its personnel encounter?
• How can ordinary residents affected by crime, and/or involved in a case assist to make things clearer and smoother for the court orderlies?
Thereafter there will be a question and answer session. It is not often that we have an opportunity to learn directly more about our justice system, so be sure not to miss this evening.
