Dear Editor
In response to a DA written question, the provincial Department confirmed that over the past five financial years the number of residents who have joined Neighbourhood Watches (NHW) in the Western Cape has increased from 4 093 to 15 432.
This represents a 277% growth in this regard. As of now, the current total of NHWs stands at 490 across the province.
The influx of residents joining their local NHWs not only indicates that people are wanting to make their communities safer, but also shows how many have lost trust in the ability of SAPS to fight crime.
NHWs nonetheless play an essential role in tackling crime, as they gather much-needed intelligence that can be used by law enforcement agencies. In addition to this, the presence of these groups also provide other community members with a sense of security as they patrol their designated areas.
While the funding of NWHs is dependent on available funding, an accredited structure can receive R10 000 every year to cover their administrative and operational costs.
To qualify to the funding, the following needs to be done:
- Ensure that the NWH is accredited (which can be done here);
- Make sure that the structure has a bank account named after it, and is confirmed by the bank itself;
- The NHW needs three signatories as per the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA); and
Substantiate, with evidence, that the NWH meets the minimum accreditation requirements as set out in the Western Cape Community Safety Act.
MPP Gillion Bosman: “As the DA in the Western Cape, we welcome the efforts to which the provincial Department is going to support these structures. Minister Reagen Allen has committed to starting a campaign that will announce a monthly crime fighter, who will in turn receive a reward for their efforts to keeping communities safe. This incentivisation is yet another example of how our province is moving forward with innovation.”
Regards
Gillion Bosman, MPP
DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Community Safety
