Minister Marais welcomes launch of third Safe Zone by Mitchells Plain Safety and Development Forum
Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, has welcomed the expansion of Western Cape Government’s Community Level Safety and Development Programme, currently being piloted in Mitchell’s Plain.
The Mitchell’s Plain Safety and Development Forum (MPSDF), together with community stakeholders, the Western Cape Government, the City of Cape Town, and the South African Police Service, officially launched the Strandfontein Safe Zone. This follows the successful establishment of Safe Zones in Montrose Park and Beacon Valley.
The Safe Zones Project forms part of a broader community-led effort aimed at strengthening safety, restoring hope, and creating supportive environments for children, youth, and vulnerable residents in communities affected by crime and violence.
Minister Marais said the establishment of these Safe Zones demonstrates the importance of coordinated partnerships between government and communities.
“These Safe Zones are about creating spaces where children and young people feel safe, valued, supported, and connected to opportunities that can positively shape their futures,” said Minister Marais.
She added, “The aim is to provide safe and caring environments where young people can access government services, mentorship, psychosocial support, educational guidance, and social assistance close to where they live. Through these interventions, we are investing in prevention, resilience, and hope.”
The launch of the Strandfontein Safe Zone coincides with National Child Protection Week.
“National Child Protection Week reminds us that safeguarding children is a shared responsibility. Every child deserves to grow up in an environment free from violence, fear, neglect, and abuse. These Safe Zones send a clear message that communities are standing together to protect children and reclaim spaces from criminals,” said Minister Marais.
The MPSDF Safe Zones initiative brings together government departments, schools, faith-based organisations, civil society structures, neighbourhood watches, and community members to strengthen local support networks and improve access to developmental services.
Minister Marais further welcomed the forum’s plans to focus on activities and support programmes for youth during the upcoming June school holidays.
“During school holidays children can often be exposed to increased risks when they are left without supervision or constructive activities. I therefore welcome the forum’s decision to shift its focus towards a school holiday programme aimed at keeping children occupied, engaged, and safe during the June holiday period,” said Minister Marais.
The Safe Zones Programme will continue to expand to additional communities across Mitchell’s Plain in the coming weeks as part of the ongoing pilot programme.
Minister Marais encouraged all stakeholders operating within Mitchell’s Plain to support the work of the MPSDF and strengthen collaborative efforts aimed at building safer and more resilient communities.
“No single organisation or government department can address these challenges alone. Through collective action, active citizen participation, and sustained partnerships, we can create communities where children are protected, young people are empowered, and families are able to thrive in safer environments,” concluded Minister Marais.
Media Enquiries:
Kurt Nefdt
Acting MLO to Minister Anroux Marais
Cell: 084 285 1975
Email: Kurt.Nefdt@westerncape.gov.za