February 3, 2005
By Bafana Nzimande
MEET Papa Q, a new superhero out to teach children about any dangers in their environment, and the latest employee of the City of Johannesburg.
The orange clad superhero in his yellow miner's hardhat was introduced to the public yesterday, 2 February, during the launch of the City's safety awareness campaign.
The mayor of Johannesburg, Councillor Amos Masondo, officiated at the launch of the campaign at the Mofolo Cultural Bowl in Mofolo, Soweto.
"Safety is a collective effort," Councillor Masondo said. "Let us educate our children, sensitise and ensure that every member of the community is responsive to safety."
The City's new superhero Papa Q is joined by Johannesburg mayor, Councillor Amos Masondo, the parents of the late Karabo Gwala and children from the Sizwe nursery school.
Picture: ENOCH LEHUNG
The mayor pointed out that "we have a responsibility to ensure there is greater awareness and consciousness at all times of safety".
The campaign, said Councillor Masondo, will highlight safety hazards ranging from rivers, uncovered manholes, exposed electricity cables, fires in informal settlements or buildings, accidents affecting pedestrians and building infrastructures.
Remembering Karabo
The City initiated campaign is being launched in February in part in memory of Karabo Gwala, who drowned after falling into an open drain at a construction site in Dube, Soweto, in February 2004. Said Councillor Masondo: "This is part of our work - in partnership with communities - to avoid such tragedies from befalling us."
Representatives from the City's utilities - Johannesburg City Parks, Johannesburg Water, City Power and the Johannesburg Road Agency - were also present, as were the members of Karabo's family.
A Safety Protocol was also signed, binding the City of Johannesburg to ensure the highest safety standards on any work site.
"I am very pleased to see our local council and all parties involved implementing this good initiative to protect our kids from safety hazards that prevail in our communities," said Karabo's mother, Dudu Gwala.
The safety awareness campaign, dubbed Qaphela, will run in three phases:
Phase one, in February, will focus on rivers and waters, uncovered manholes, pedestrian safety and exposed electricity cables.
The second phase, in May, will shift the focus to the hazards of fires, illegal electricity connection, construction sites and uncovered manholes.
October and November will see phase three emphasise the dangers of rivers, fires and thunderstorms.
While Qaphela is aimed at all Johannesburg residents, emphasis will be placed on educating children - with help from Papa Q.
A two-fold campaign
"This campaign is two fold," said the City's the acting director for finance and economics affairs, Mankodi Moitse, adding that its aim was to educate children and create a secure environment.
"It's aimed at grabbing kids' imaginations through the superhero character that will be instrumental in communicating safety awareness messages to children," she said.
Papa Q will tell children, via radio, television and newspapers as well as personal visits to schools, to take care.
The campaign is also aimed at creating a secure environment, minimising safety hazards, by encouraging residents to report any dangers to Joburg Connect on 011 375 5555.
"We have put proper systems in place so that when residents report any safety hazards in their communities, we can quickly respond to that particular incident and hopefully avoid any unnecessary injuries in our communities," Moitse added.
The Karabo Gwala Memorial Park
Managing director of Johannesburg City Parks, Luther Williamson used the launch to present the plans of the Karabo Gwala Memorial Park in Dube.
The 8 000m² park, consisting of a soccer field, an area for board games and the memorial, is expected to be completed by May this year.
"We hope to provide local kids with an open space where they can happily play in a safe environment," Williamson said.
The City has also allocated R200 000 in this year's budget for further training for emergency services personnel, including the training of additional professional divers.
Chief of the Emergency Management Services, Dr Ntombi Gule, announced that four safety centres - BeSafe Centres - where workshops will be held for residents. The first centre will be opened in Jabulani, Soweto.
She urged residents to comply with safety regulations, adding: "As part of this campaign, we will continue to enforce by-laws amongst our communities and ensure all residents comply with safety regulations."
Residents are urged to report any safety hazards to Joburg Connect on 011 375 5555.
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