Selfless Annelize helps all in need

SELFLESS, hard- working and compassionate are just some of the words used to describe The Herald GM Citizen of the Year finalist Annelize Jerling.

Besides owning a successful events planning company Jerling, 50, also works closely with Humewood police as a member of the Community Policing Forum (CPF). She chairs the Sector 2 Crime Forum – working closely with the police, patrolling and monitoring Central Port Elizabeth – and is also coordinator of the Humewood police station's Victim Support Centre (VSC).

"There is so much pain and suffering in our city. I am only doing my part to try to help people who have become victims, to try to relieve their pain a little," a friendly and smiling Jerling said.

Born and raised in Port Elizabeth, Jerling matriculated at Cillié High School before going to work in the human resources department at tyre manufacturer Bridgestone. There she assisted with multiple community projects and the seed for helping others was sown.

"Over the years I have been involved in soup kitchens all over the city, but my passion has always been working with people. Two years ago I became involved in the CPF, especially in the Central area where I live, and the need for a VSC at the Humewood police station became apparent," she said.

The centre, managed by police officers at the station, closed down some years ago. Jerling took it upon herself to get it running again, offering support and counselling to victims of violent crimes like rape and abuse, and assisting homeless and abandoned children.

"One of the most shocking incidents was New Year's Day this year. We had 183 children coming to us from 10am that morning after their parents had lost them. Some of these kids' parents came looking for them only hours later. Others had to go to children's homes. It was sad to see how many people prefer having a good party rather than keeping a watchful eye over their children."

Although she is unmarried with no children of her own, Jerling has four godchildren who "mean the world" to her, and takes a personal interest in the life of every child that passes through her office at the Humewood police station.

She works closely with Captain Garth Rademeyer, a police officer with 40 years' service, who said the effect Jerling had had since taking over the VSC was "truly wonderful".

"Seven years ago, when I came to Humewood, we had 35 homeless children in the Summerstrand area on our books. Annelize took it upon herself to help these children, finding them safe places to stay and over the past two years that number has come down to just four children in the same area."

Jerling is regularly contacted by police stations without VSCs all over the city, seeking her advice on how to care for victims who have arrived at these stations.

Colonel Christo Gerber, who has held many commanding roles in the Port Elizabeth policing area, said she offered an invaluable service, and no police officer at the station could fill her shoes.

"Many people distrust the police and find it difficult to speak to a uniformed officer when they are abused or abandoned. Annelize connects with these people better than any officer can, often helping us get to the bottom of the situation."

Gerber said her commitment to the community was unquestionable. She was on call 24-7, was always willing to help and "spends more time here than she does at her own office or sometimes even at home".

He said her nomination for Citizen of the Year would serve to shift the focus of community outreach projects more towards crime, an area that had not received enough exposure.

"We need to show people how they can become involved with crime-fighting in our city. Annelize is a great example."

Jerling and Rademeyer also serve as tourism ambassadors for the city, often spending time at sites like the Donkin Memorial, assisting visitors.

"With assistance from the CPF and the Mandela Bay Development Agency we are trying to make the city safer. A few years ago crime on tourists was quite high, but during the day we are about 90% crimefree when it comes to our tourists," Gerber said.

Through all this she still manages to juggle event planning company Apple Annie's, which she started in 2008, and believes "time management and nerves of steel" are key.

One of her assistants, Noleen Ambraal, believes Jerling has mastered the art of multitasking, and although everyone always wants a piece of her, she manages to get to everything on time. "She always does it with a smile on her face," Ambraal said. - Riaan Marais