Easter is a time of reflection, faith, togetherness and family. It is also a time of rebirth and new beginnings, as represented by the Easter Bunny. Rabbits usually give birth to a big litter of babies, this became a symbol of new life.

As we begin the Easter celebrations, we are thankful for having time with our loved ones and look forward to new beginnings and living in a country which is full of new life and hope.

We would like to wish all our clients, carers and their families a very happy, blessed Easter and assure you of our continued commitment to provide quality care.

More about CG Carers, whose aim is to provide an affordable, desirable and safe alternative to living in a care home or moving in with family.

Hilton Security:  The UCSI’s Network of ANPR Cameras in Hilton

Most Hilton residents are not fully aware of the operations of UCSI in Hilton where some 5 gantries have been installed. A short outline of the current situation is given below. There are now 5 cameras in the Hilton area and another 3 are in the planning stage. These cost some R60 000 each and the operational costs amount to some R6 000 each per month, as they are manned 24/7. The HRA has made a small contribution to this exercise but our resources do not allow us to assist on more than 1 camera.

These cameras play an extremely important role in our security in Hilton and the HRA is making an appeal to residents to support this initiative, and not rely solely on the current relatively small donor base. We will forward any donations to UCSI and your assistance will be receipted and acknowledged by them.

A brief background is as follows:

During mid 2019 the Umngeni Community Safety Initiative (UCSI), a privately funded non-profit organization, fully endorsed by Umngeni Local Municipality, began installing Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) CCTV camera gantries at strategic locations within the LM’s area of jurisdiction.

To date over 30 gantries have been installed, with five of these installed at the main entry/exit points to Hilton. The initial capital costs of these gantries were provided by private and business donors, including the HRA.

The monthly operational costs are covered by business donors, the HRA and mostly by those Hilton households who are contributing members of the Hilton Community Security Initiative (HCSI).

The UCSI’s ANPR system forms part of a Regional and National network of CCTV surveillance cameras.

The UCSI works closely with the Dept of Transport, Transnet, SANRAL, N3TC and the SAPS.

The UCSI’s system is monitored locally, 24/7.

If a vehicle has been stolen or has been linked to a crime, it is identified and loaded onto the network.
If such a vehicle enters Hilton it is flagged as a “hit” by a camera. Weekly and often daily “hits” are experienced in Hilton.

When this happens the Hilton SAPS are alerted by the UCSI system. They, together with the Hilton Rapid Response (HRR) unit, consisting of local volunteer Armed Response Security Companies, react accordingly by either monitoring or apprehending the vehicle, depending on the crime.

The UCSI’s ANPR CCTV camera surveillance network has been successful in helping the Hilton SAPS reduce crime with the cameras providing yet another layer of protection and crime reduction in Hilton.

Volunteer Appeal

Your HRA is eager to grow active committee members, any Hilton resident who has relevant skills and the time to volunteer for any of our various portfolios is invited to respond.

HRA Survey Closing

In the meanwhile, and if you have not done so already, please complete the Service Delivery Survey by clicking here. This survey will close on Monday 5 April 2021 after which we will share feedback with you.

Membership Drive

This is an ongoing focus, please encourage friends and neighbours to join your HRA. The stronger the support we receive, the more effective we can be. Click here to apply for membership.

Best wishes to all, have a happy, safe and blessed Easter.

Mike Tarr
Chairman: HRA

More about Hilton Ratepayers Association.