EXTREME MAKEOVER – SAPS FISANTEKRAAL

Since the beginning of 2023 when we started this project, we have been able to do the following:

After engaging with SAPS and local government, we found out that there are no short term (within the next 5 years) plans to build a new police station in the area. SAPS are also under resourced and understaffed. With no way to fix that, we thought “what, if anything, can we do?” Creating a workspace that people can enjoy being in was a solution that we felt could benefit both the SAPS staff and with that, the community of Fisantekraal.

We formed a team of passionate people and approached many different organizations to see if they would be willing to come alongside us, taking hands to improve the existing police station. Many businesses offered incredible support and we would really like to give a great shout out to these organizations for their hearts for the community! We’ve been able to:

• Paint inside and out – paint donated by Durbanville MICA and labour by James from Cape Town Home Renovations.
• Install new sanitaryware in the bathroom and tile. Thanks to Flow Bathrooms and Plumbing and Waterstone Durbanville for all their donations! Graanendal Homeowners association came alongside us, and the work was done by local talent Willem Jacobs of Willy’s Maintenance.
• We placed a couch and round table into the rec room so there is a space to engage the public privately when needed as well as for the staff to rest on breaks. Both items supplied by the community of Durbanville. We intentionally used the blue and yellow from the SAPS logo to create a warm and inviting space.
• Corobrik, Planet Paving and N1 Bricks and Blocks came alongside us to lift the old paving and pave the entire front of the SAPS space. The ultimate goal is to be able to park police vans inside the space. Both the SAPS office and the VEP room are also now wheelchair accessible thanks to Lesley from Planet Pave who really went above and beyond to help!
• Pepino Cement products donated a bench for the community to rest on when they wait to be attended to.
• Local Durbanville artist, Sharon Villet hand painted the SAPS logo on the outside of the building to make the building more visible and easily identifiable.
• The flagpoles were moved by SLR Branding and Flagpole Cape and the garden was neatened and new plants put in.
• A counter was installed for the public to complete forms on, the doors which had not been able to close or lock properly were fixed by Durbanville resident Andrew Frankiewitcz and his team.

We had a few work days with volunteers from Durbanville community members and Impact Church

• A new desk installed (more suitable to the size of the area).
• Old furniture was repainted to give a fresh new look – this was done with our team of volunteers who generously gave of their time and expertise.
• A new felt board with updated maps of the area was put up. – thanks to Garden Cities and Counselor Ruan Beneke for supplying the maps.
• Local painter, James from Cape Town Renovations painted inside and out. Christine Le Roux from the local non-profit, For the Long Run came alongside us to make this happen.
• Michael Leach from MGL Electrics gave the electrics a once over. He replaced the lights with LEDs, installed an electric point for the generator and neatened up loose wires.
• Trellidor have installed a new security gate to improve the safety of the staff and premises and
  Durbanville CPF will also be installing their compliments and complaints box to allow better feedback from the community.