For over two decades, the Makhaza community has been pushing for a local police station. Despite hurdles, a temporary station made from prefabricated units is nearing completion and will be fully operational until the permanent station is built in 2025/26. The community’s unwavering quest for safety and relentless spirit has led to noticeable breakthroughs, and the road ahead looks hopeful. The ongoing story of the Makhaza police station stands as a testament to the community’s resilience and determination towards a safer future.
A Community’s Dream: The Journey Towards a Safer Makhaza
The Makhaza community’s pursuit of a local police station has been ongoing for over two decades. A temporary station, made from prefabricated units, is soon to be fully operational until the permanent station is constructed in 2025/26. This development signifies an encouraging new phase in the Makhaza story, a narrative filled with hope, expectation, and a community’s unwavering quest for safety. Despite the odds, the Makhaza community’s relentless spirit and continuous advocacy led to noticeable breakthroughs, and the road ahead looks hopeful.
A Community’s Dream
The inception of the idea for a local police station in Makhaza, Khayelitsha took place two decades ago. Presently, this concept is moving closer to becoming a reality. Andre Traut, the spokesperson for the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Western Cape, has confirmed recently that the construction of a temporary station is nearing completion, with the potential to be fully operational in the near future. This development signifies an encouraging new phase in the Makhaza story, a narrative filled with hope, expectation, and a community’s unwavering quest for safety.
Bringing a vision to life often encounters unforeseen challenges. Over time, the project for the Makhaza police station has experienced its fair share of hurdles. The latest impediment, as disclosed by ward councillor Lucky Mbiza, was a disagreement between two contractors. However, the construction site, which was once an open field, is currently bustling with activity, reflecting the tenacity of the Makhaza community’s dream.
A Temporary Step Towards Safety
The provisional station, taking shape from prefabricated units, is designed to address the safety concerns of the Makhaza community until the permanent station is constructed in the 2025/26 fiscal year. In the interim, the community has been availing the benefits of round-the-clock patrols and services from a mobile unit. This temporary measure, while not being the perfect solution, has played a crucial role in bridging the gap between the community and the law enforcement agency.
The journey of the Makhaza police station initiated in 2004 when an open field was first suggested as a potential site. The pressing need for the station was highlighted again in 2014 during the Khayelitsha Commission of Enquiry, when the construction of a police station in Makhaza was ranked second in priority among the stations to be built in Western Cape. Despite these confirmations, the following years saw no significant progress.
The Persistent Fight for Justice
Despite the odds, the Makhaza community’s relentless spirit and continuous advocacy led to noticeable breakthroughs. The Social Justice Coalition (SJC), together with other activist groups, intensified their demand for the station in 2016. They advocated for a fair distribution of police resources and sought the intervention of the Western Cape High Court to ensure the authorities acted on these requests.
In 2019, five years after the Commission’s recommendations, the SJC and residents of Makhaza staged a symbolic takeover of the vacant site, building a wall in the center of the land. This wall, marked with “Makhaza Police Station” in bold black letters, served as a constant reminder of the community’s unmet demand.
The Road Ahead
As of 2021, while the community was provided with a mobile police station, some residents expressed their dissatisfaction as it was positioned inside the Makhaza Shopping Centre. This setup restricted the residents’ access to police services, particularly when the shopping centre’s gates were locked.
However, progress was made in March this year when construction began on the open field for a satellite station. Despite the initial deadline being missed due to disputes between contractors, the community remains hopeful. The station is now expected to be up and running in the upcoming weeks.
The ongoing story of the Makhaza police station stands as a testament to the community’s resilience and determination. It highlights their dedication to ensuring safer streets and a more secure future. The journey of the Makhaza police station serves as a reminder of the old saying that good things come to those who wait, and even better things come to those who never back down.
How long has the Makhaza community been pushing for a local police station?
The Makhaza community has been pushing for a local police station for over two decades.
When is the temporary police station expected to be fully operational?
The temporary police station, made from prefabricated units, is expected to be fully operational in the near future until the permanent station is constructed in 2025/26.
What challenges has the Makhaza police station project encountered?
The Makhaza police station project has encountered various challenges, including disagreements between contractors and a lack of significant progress for years despite recommendations from the Khayelitsha Commission of Enquiry.
What role has the Social Justice Coalition played in the Makhaza police station project?
The Social Justice Coalition has played a significant role in advocating for the Makhaza police station, demanding a fair distribution of police resources and seeking the intervention of the Western Cape High Court.
When did construction begin on the open field for a satellite station, and when is it expected to be up and running?
Construction on the open field for a satellite station began in March of this year, and it is expected to be up and running in the upcoming weeks.
What does the ongoing story of the Makhaza police station signify?
The ongoing story of the Makhaza police station signifies the community’s resilience and determination towards a safer future. It serves as a reminder of the old saying that good things come to those who wait, and even better things come to those who never back down.
