Welcome to February 2012

We have been juggling a number of different projects over the past month so have lots to report back on and share with you this month. First up is an overview of arrests made during the festive season. I'd like to thank all staff that assisted with these arrests and urge them to continue to keep our areas safe.

About 40 of our staff members recently participated in a refresher-training course with Vetus Schola, focusing on public relations, self-defence and acting within the framework of the law. This training takes place every six-months.

We also have a feature article about our emergency medical pilot project, which we hope to roll out on a permanent basis soon. If you have received medical assistance from Shannon or have been at the scene of an accident where he has worked his magic please send us your feedback and let us know what you think of this additional top-up service.

Last but not least we have included details of a couple of new boutique shops in our areas, as well as a review of a familiar favourite in the Cape Quarter.

Best wishes,

Marc Truss

GP/OKCID CEO

In January 2012, supplementary cleansing resulted in the collection and removal of an estimated 11 200kgs (1 600 bags) of waste from the GPCID and 9 800kgs (1 400 bags) from the OKCID. This increase from December 2011 is a result of the festive season.

GP/OKCID kept crime to a minimum this festive season

The proactive approach of the GP/OKCID team and preventative measures they have taken to reduce crime have really made a difference in our areas. During the peak holiday season, from 15 December 2011 and 15 January 2012, the GP/OKCID, with support from Vetus Schola and SAPS, made several arrests in Green Point and Oranje-Kloof, including two for house break ins, three for theft out of motor vehicles and five for theft. Read more

GP/OKCID adds medical assistance to their list of services

Due to the fact that the GP/OKCID is often first to arrive in an emergency, they are running a 14-week pilot project to see whether providing medical assistance is feasible, and how effective it could be. This is a first of its kind in South Africa.

From 15 November 2011 Shannon Kain has been on call for all medical emergencies in our CIDs. Garth Miller from Bantry Bay Pharmacy has donated all consumables needed for this pilot project, which is incredibly generous and has made it possible for Shannon to respond to just over 100 calls so far. He was the first medically trained person on the scene for 98% of these incidences, with an impressive average response time of three to five minutes.

Shannon believes the success of this pilot project is centred on the fact that it is area specific: by only servicing Green Point and Oranje-Kloof he can be on scene minutes after receiving a call. The relationships that he has established also play a pivotal role, in terms of streamlining back up services and coordinating different role players. This makes the whole process of dealing with an emergency smoother for everyone involved.

Call any of the GP/OKCID numbers in a medical emergency and Shannon will be notified immediately via radio. If you don't have it on speed dial already, add the GP/OKCID shift manager number to your phone now: 071 670 3019. Read more

GP/OKCID team training a success

Approximately 40 GP/OKCID security staff recently embarked on a series of refresher Public Relations and Self Defence training sessions with Patrick Ricketts, Vincent Ricketts and Shaun Hamilton of Vetus Schola, to build on the skills taught during previous training sessions. They focused on all legalities involved when using their tonfa batons, pepper spray or minimum force and emphasis was placed on the importance of acting within the framework of the law. Read more

Mr and Mrs makes its début in the OKCID

Nestled away on the corner of Kloof and De Lorentz Streets, this petite necessity-stopover boutique store is an absolute treasure. After a year of travelling through Indonesia, Argentina and India, owners Cecil and Sarah Jane Bosman returned to open this lifestyle and design store in Kloof Street. They host a range of South African fashion designers as well as a selection of gifts, home ware, jewellery, imported furniture and their very own ring collection, designed and made in India. Read more

Vanilla

Vanilla Restaurant and Bar, situated in the heart of the Cape Quarter, sets the perfect scene for a sophisticated occasion. You are immediately overwhelmed by a sense of New York chic meeting Cape Town's uniquely "Mother City style" as you walk in. The decor is minimalistic and sleek; and the glass finishes and piano ensures a 'one of a kind' atmosphere. The a la carte menu has a variety of options and a wide selection of quality wines and cocktails. Read more

This is not a Post Office

As I walked inside 'This is not a Post Office', I was suddenly hit by a flamboyance of colour, stripes and a dreamlike world. I was immediately transported to a miniature 'Alice in Wonderland' mixed with giant lollipops and disco balls. I knew I had entered the world of quirky and wonderful things, the world that is Madame Zingara. Read more

"Happiness comes of the capacity to feel deeply, to enjoy simply, to think freely, to risk life, to be needed." - Storm Jameson