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The most recent appointee in the security sector of HOA is Caron Manchest – a George lass born and bred, and never readier to tackle her role as Kingswood’s new Security Coordinator as soon as January dawns.
In this capacity, she is in charge of all access control registrations at the service gate adjacent to the Kingswood gatehouse. An immediate priority is the registration of residents on the new security system, as well as capturing data on contractors, gardeners, cleaning staff and the like.
Caron has been perfectly prepared for her permanent appointment in this challenging environment while fulfilling two temporary contracts with the Homeowners Association – first as receptionist, and then as information processor since September.
Willing and able to protect and serve
Meeting Caron in her neat and cool standalone office at said service entrance, you’ll find that she’s a picture of calm efficiency – no matter how busy the never-ending traffic flow of contractors’ vehicles and crews to be registered.
It comes as no surprise that she worked her way up to the rank of sergeant in the South African Police Service during a 13-year career in the force.
Among her duties at the Crime Information Management and Analysis Centre counted everything from client service and complaints to managing policies in the CIMAC environment.
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Other duties during her SAPS career, which will stand her in good stead at Kingswood, are the capturing and processing of information, data quality checks, penning statistics reports, and dealing with the control of highly confidential documentation.
Life after the thin blue line
‘I resigned from the police because I wanted to help people in a different way – not only when something bad happened. I felt it was time for a change and with the help and support of my family, I managed to make the big decision in 2022,’ explains Caron.
‘I was born in George and went to school at Rosemore Primary and George High School. But in Grade 10 I changed to South Cape College to study Administration Management. After working for a handful of companies, I joined the police in 2009.’
After graduating from Oudtshoorn Police College in June 2009, Caron did her practical training at Conville police station. ‘I also got married that same year, while I was still at the police college – a quick informal ceremony while home for the Easter weekend,’ she smiles
Family blessings
Caron says she is the quintessential family fan: ‘This is what I do in my free time; I spend it with my loved ones. I am also the youngest of four children, with two brothers who are my protectors and a sister who, despite an age difference of 15 years, is my best friend.
‘We lost our father in 2005 but are still blessed with the most wonderful mother who cooks the most delicious food. She is the reason why I know my way around the kitchen.
‘I’m a proud mother of two: a teenage daughter, Faith, and almost-teen son, Josh. My husband Angelo is an independent life practitioner at EMS (Emergency Metro Service) George, and we are looking forward to celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary next year.’
The essence of this conscientious new member of the Kingswood team, apart from her tried and tested work ethic, is clear when Caron ponders what’s most important in her life: ‘My relationship with God, my husband and children, and my family – in that order!’
