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Jaco Niemand is the Chairman of the Parkmore Community Association (PCA) - a non-profit company run by residents and business owners, working together to build Parkmore into a happy, secure, and upmarket suburb to live, work, eat, play, and learn in. He is a technology professional currently working in the energy sector. He also has a long history in being involved in community building and upliftment.
Jaco is the visionary behind MOBIEG, an innovative digital platform designed to provide guidance, comprehensive information, and crucial support to those in need. This initiative exemplifies his unwavering commitment to empowering and uplifting individuals within the Parkmore community and beyond.
PCA: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today, Jaco. We really appreciate you sharing your expertise and insights as the Chairman of the Parkmore Community Association.
Jaco: My pleasure, thanks for taking the time to talk to me.
PCA: Could you tell us a bit more about your role and the key priorities of the PCA?
Jaco: As Chairman of the PCA, I manage the day-to-day operations of the association.
This includes everything from payments, suppliers and staff, to handling special cases and requests from residents.
The PCA’s key priorities are to provide a better, safer Parkmore for its residents. We are constantly working to improve the area, its security, and to create an engaged community.
I’ve always believed that an engaged community benefits everyone that’s part of it.
PCA: What are some of the most rewarding aspects of leading this community organisation?
Jaco: Managing a community association of this scale is quite challenging. No community association is perfect and there are always many different views and opinions in any community, but I wanted to get involved to do my bit instead of sitting on the sidelines. It makes me happy to see how the big things we do, improve the area, but also the small things where we help a fellow neighbour.
PCA: As the co-creator of MOBIEG, a free mobile and web guide providing vital information and support, what inspired you to develop this resource?
Jaco: South Africa’s population is sadly completely underserved in the field of psychosocial support services, and access to help and guidance is very limited. MOBIEG has provided a source of support to hundreds of thousands of people in South Africa over the last 20 years.
PCA: How has it been able to make a difference for people in need?
Jaco: We have helped people with issues like depression, abuse, medical and legal advice and have helped people out of horrendous situations, and saved countless lives.
PCA: In your experience, what are some of the biggest challenges community organisations like the PCA face in supporting residents? How have you and your team worked to overcome these obstacles?
Jaco: There are 3 main challenges.
Membership and affordability: Economies of scale are very relevant to any community association. The PCA pays for security & maintenance services from funds contributed by its members. The more members we have, the cheaper it becomes for each member. Whilst only around 50% of Parkmore residents contribute, everyone in the area benefits from our efforts. We are working hard on projects that are more “visible” in the area to increase awareness and promote the benefits of the PCA.
Manpower: As a board we’re responsible for managing members’ funds responsibly. Daily operations are run with a very slim staff compliment, and all other projects are run with the help of volunteers, all who have very busy lives. Every year there are great ideas and we don’t always get to it all, but we are currently busy with a few projects:
• Improved security
• One Parkmore (simplifying PCA, road closures and armed response memberships and costs)
• gardens and public area upgrades
• road markings and potholes
• the lack of law enforcement and public disorder around the Benmore Shopping Centre.
Mandate limitations: Whilst we always try our best to help all members, there are things that are outside of our control, like municipal service delivery and maintenance (think electricity and water supply, roads, etc). There’s often an perception that the PCA is responsible when these things go wrong, and even if we’d like to take action on some of these issues, legally we’re limited to what we are can to do. Instead, constantly act as a combined community voice and guide and build relationships with authorities that improve service delivery through the correct channels to get these issues escalated and dealt with.
PCA: You have a background in technology and software development. How have you been able to leverage your technical skills and expertise to enhance the PCA's operations and services?
Jaco: The PCA makes extensive use of technology in the security space. We are using state-of-the-art video surveillance and AI tools that are connected to a wider system in the city, which leads to multiple arrests in the area every month – often people are arrested in Parkmore that have committed crimes elsewhere, and the other way around. This means that Parkmore is also doing its bit in the greater city’s community.
We’ve also updated the PCA website, centralised all of our internal systems and communications and will soon be moving our paper-based contracts to a digital solution that’s much easier to manage.
PCA: What advice would you share with other community leaders looking to make a positive impact, like the work you've done with the PCA and MOBIEG?
Jaco: I think the key is to get involved in initiatives – whatever your skillset. Often a fresh set of eyes, new ideas and just a different perspective helps a lot. Put up your hand and do what you can. The alternative is to wait around and hope that someone else will do it – and if everyone does that, then nothing will happen.
PCA: Finally, how can one join the PCA and what are the benefits?
Jaco: To join the PCA (and any of the additional initiatives like road closures and the area-dedicated armed response) email Coll at members@parkmore.org.za or call 082 896 3547.
The main benefits are security, community and suburb management. These represent a whole list of benefits that’s way too long to mention here, and are explained on our website - www.parkmore.org.za
PCA: Thank you again for your time, Jaco. We're grateful for your dedication to supporting the Parkmore community.
WORKING TOGETHER FOR A BETTER, SAFER PARKMORE:
WORKING TOGETHER FOR A BETTER, SAFER PARKMORE:
Parkmore Community Association (PCA):
Suburb Manager - Lori Klein: manager@parkmore.org.za | 081 777 0477
PCA Membership - Coll Evans: members@parkmore.org.za | 082 896 3547
PCA Financial Administrator: Kim Le Roux: assistant@parkmore.org.za
Website: https://www.parkmore.org.za/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParkmorePCA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parkmorecommunityassociation/
24/7 Security Services:
Website: https://www.24-7security.co.za/
011 444 2237 | info@24-7security.co.za
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