Blompark Mother Takes The Lead

Leentjie Saulse of Blompark said “genoeg is nou genoeg, ons ouers moet nou verantwoordelikheid neem.” Her concern is for all the children in our community who may be involved in gangsterism, drug and alcohol abuse, bullying and more. 

Leentjie Saulse had previously met with Lt Col Winston Coetzee to discuss her thoughts and suggestions with him. Lt Col Coetzee arranged a ‘Parental Forum’ meeting which was held on Tuesday 01 November 2022 at 18h00 at the Blompark Community Hall. Sadly, this was not well attended, however, those who did attend agreed that a ‘Parent Safety Forum’ be established.

Lt Col Coetzee welcomed all to the meeting and ds Floris Avenant opened the meeting with prayer, after which he mentioned that he is very happy to be part of this meeting and stated it is time that the church leaders all become involved as it is the work of the church to look after the community.

Gansbaai CPF Chairperson Julia Barlow briefed the members of the SAPS Victim Support Room and stated that it is important that this facility be utilized as too many ‘victims’ (which are not always physical) are not receiving the support they need. She is a Victim Support Counsellor and is available to the entire community. She explained that one rule fits all - this means that parents are to speak out whenever their children are going against the Law. ‘Tough Love’ must be applied to help our children get back to the ‘correct’ path. There are different ways of ‘love’ and often the ‘Love’ has disappeared, by supporting each other and bringing calmness to our community the ‘Love’ will be back in the lives of our community. She ended by saying: “Ask, Believe and Receive, and you will be rewarded.”

Gansbaai CPF additional member Marieta Rademeyer discussed a program that she has been working through - The foundation of positive behaviour, written by Neville G Goliath & Dianne Williams.

The topics:

‘Dit is deur verhoudinge met mekaar te bou dat waardes ontwikkel’. She added that the circles of my life connect with my inner strength by reflecting on significant relationships that shape my life.

Prioritise your place on natural law - how you cherish the values that are important to yourself and ‘give it water’.

‘Mense het verskillende waardes.’

‘Ons moet waardes verstaan en met respek, liefde, omgee en op verskillende ander maniere optree.’

Courage flows from a person that feels safe - it gives the ability to belong; Belonging is the premise for identifying and humanity of a group; The members of the group require a strong leader that demonstrates rules; Mastery constitutes the courage that enables success; All humans have the desire to be successful.

Independence is taking control of your environment with or without the required skills; Determining the nature of how behaviour is experienced; Generosity is the first building block of a child's understanding of citizenship; The majority of misbehaviour between children comes from ownership - ‘This is my ball’ or I sat here first (not taking turns); Winner/loser - I finished my work first; Learn that my place is your place, not you sit on your side or your leg is on my side; Fairness; Emotional and social development is of utmost importance.

Marieta Rademeyer concluded by saying: “Die heel belangrikste is dat die wortel van die oorsaak na die kwaad, geaddresseer moet word.” This is how Leentjie Saulse’s vision for a Parent Safety Forum will become a reality which ensures that all parents and families take the responsibility to look after our children and to bring back:

“Jou kind is my kind” mindset.

A meeting will be held to establish this forum - read more about it in upcoming editions of the Gans-Berg News.

Julia Barlow - Gansbaai CPF Chairperson