“I am very proud of the award, and I can only hope that it inspires the other members of our team as well. People close to me know the medical challenges I face in life, and because of that, I believe I am an inspiration to them.”

These are the words of Strand Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) member, Carl Gersbach from the Strand, who were awarded the Inspiration of the Year Award at this year’s City of Cape Town annual Neighbourhood Watch Awards.

Mr Gersbach, who has served as NWH member in protecting and safeguarding his community on the Strand NHW for the past 14 years, says receiving this individual award came as a huge surprise.

Hosted last month by the City of Cape Town at the Council Chambers in the Civic Centre, where four group and eight individual awards were presented to accredited neighbourhood watches operating across the City.

The awards ceremony is an annual event on the City’s calendar to award and recognise the efforts of neighbourhood watches and their members.

Communities could submit nominations for individual members of NWH groups in September this year.

The City’s mayoral committee member for safety and security, Alderman JP Smith said in a statement: “The volunteers who are part of neighbourhood watches are an integral part of keeping our communities safer and play an important role in keeping criminals away.

“The awards are a token of our appreciation for the work they do and a salute to their bravery and dedication. They support our enforcement departments and help us build stronger neighbourhoods.”

Mr Gersbach, also chairperson of the Strand NHW, says his daily motivation to continue serving in his role is tied to his sense of commitment and witnessing the actual results of their hard work. “As a volunteer, I raised my hand to help. When I commit to something, I don’t just talk about it— I take action. I love seeing the difference that my team and I make.”

An effective and successful Neighbourhood Watch, he says, thrives on great teamwork. “A Neighbourhood Watch is a team sport, and you will not achieve anything on your own—you need the rest of the team. If the award can serve as motivation for the team members, then I am glad,” he says.

Mr Gersbach was not the only local who were recognised for his exceptional performance, but his organisation, the Strand Neighbourhood Watch was the recipient of one of the group awards winning the Social Responsibility Award.

On winning the award, the Strand NWH says: “We are very proud of it, and as a PBO, we are doing something right. All the members involved have received recognition for their efforts as well as the community that supported us.”