“Civil society brought down the apartheid system, but the mistake we made was to give our powers to the politicians.”
These are the words of community activist Farouk Jeptha, who believes residents helping other residents is the only way to create meaningful change in society.
He is doing just that with his organisation Concerned Citizens of Port Elizabeth Metro, based in Helenvale.
As fear grips many residents – some preferring to lock themselves behind closed doors – Jeptha and a few concerned residents from Helenvale have decided to stand up to some of the most serious societal ills in their communities.
These include drugs, gangsterism, unemployment, domestic violence and murder.
Over the past year or so, Jeptha’s organisation has been a beacon of hope for many.
Formed in November 2017, the organisation attends to a myriad pressing issues including drug counselling, assisting victims of domestic abuse, explaining people’s constitutional rights and helping families whose homes have burnt down or who cannot bury family members.
Fundraising drives generate money when it is needed.
It is desperation that drives residents to queue outside Dave’s Gym, on the corner of Bell and Springbok roads, where Jeptha’s offices are.
“Our day here is unpredictable,” Jeptha said.
“A person can simply walk in with, for example, legal issues, police or domestic issues.
“There is always a need around here – this is the heart of the northern areas,” he said.
Born in South End 58 years ago, Jeptha knew from a young age he wanted to help others.
“I have always had a sense of protecting others.
“I shunned things that were wrong – my parents instilled in me the right values,” he said.
Jeptha is the kind of leader who does not believe in working in isolation, but rather with a collective that brings diverse skills and resources with the sole purpose to empower the broader community.
The Concerned Citizens of Port Elizabeth Metro works with the community policing forum, neighbourhood watch and the fire brigade.
Jeptha’s day starts at about 4am with prayers and these are followed by phone calls from residents desperate for help.
“From there the phone goes berserk with people who need assistance.
“There are moments when I do not even go straight to the office – people will stop me on the way,” he said.
Jeptha recalls being asked why he did not enter politics.
“We cannot all be up there. Someone has to be on the ground to empower people.
“Our mission is not to move forward alone.
“The community cannot be empowered around a single person,” he said.
Jeptha has started other community projects and programmes such as a soup kitchen and security in schools.
“We are saying civil society brought down the apartheid system, but the mistake we made was to give our powers to the politicians.
“The community needs service delivery – it is no use to wait any longer,” he said.
The group’s secretary, Denise Topkin, said there was a huge need in the community and their work would not be possible without sponsorship from the business community.
“With the donations we go out to assist needy families, especially in areas where people are unable to afford school uniforms or food.
“This is a nonprofit organisation and we depend on donations to meet the community’s needs,” she said.