A new interim executive committee has been elected for the Ocean View Civic Association. From left, are Stefert Graham, Deano Sauls, Athena Delcarme, Angelique Jantjies, Yusra Davids, Joey Lafey, Diona Kindo, Rushda Richards and chairman Melshaw Wyngaard.
The Ocean View Civic Association (OVCA) has introduced its newly elected interim executive committee.
Melshaw Wyngaard, as chairperson, will guide the committee until the next annual general meeting in February.
In September, half of the members of the previous committee resigned for personal reasons and because of internal disagreements.
A re-election was necessary, in terms of the organisation’s constitution, to form a fully functional committee.
The interim committee was elected on Saturday November 18.
According to Mr Wyngaard, the committee’s goal is to address critical issues in Ocean View in order to bring positive changes to the community.
“In addition to updating the constitution to meet the needs of the community, we intend to establish diverse portfolios for OVCA members to participate in. We want portfolios that focus on housing, safety, security, health, and food security,” he said.
“A shortage of housing often correlates with increased crime rates. Addressing this complex problem requires a comprehensive approach, finding out what pockets of land are available, who owns it and what it has been allocated for.”
Mr Wyngaard acknowledged Ocean View's reputation for having one of the highest crime rates in the far south.
"We will address this issue by collaborating closely with the Ocean View Community Police Forum, the Ocean View Neighbourhood Watch, and residents,“ he said.
The committee is also looking at job creation and opportunities for training.
“Empowering community members through these initiatives not only alleviates the housing crisis but also fosters a sense of self-sufficiency and resilience.”
It was also important to support drug-rehabilitation programmes to stop addiction adding to other social ills, he said.
"By addressing these interconnected issues, we can work towards building a stronger, safer, and more prosperous community for all its members.“
Ward councillor Simon Liell-Cock expressed confidence in the new leadership.
"I am pleased to see that the OVCA has been re-established with a new executive committee of dedicated community leaders. Ocean View needs leaders who display high moral and ethical standards and who place the interests of the community above personal agendas,” he said.
Residents are invited to join the OVCA with an annual fee of R10. Visit the OVCA Facebook page for more information.