The Western Cape Government rolls out community level Safety and Development Programme
The Western Cape Government is reinforcing its commitment to building safer, more resilient communities through the introduction of a new, integrated community-level Safety and Development Programme. As announced during the Western Cape Department of Police Oversight and Community 2026/2027 budget speech yesterday, Minister Anroux Marais highlighted that this initiative will be implemented in close partnership with residents, civil society, and key government stakeholders to tackle the underlying causes of crime and violence while strengthening collaboration between law enforcement agencies.
Minister Marais said, “This innovative approach focuses on prevention by investing in people, particularly our youth and families, through trauma-informed interventions, targeted development programmes, and strengthened community partnerships. It recognises that safety is a shared responsibility and that sustainable change requires coordinated action across all sectors of society.”
As part of this initiative, a range of pilot programmes will be rolled out, including a Street Coach programme to mentor young people, mediate conflict, and guide youth toward positive life choices. Structured, trauma-informed holiday programmes will provide safe and supportive environments for children between the ages of 5 and 15, offering alternatives that directly counter the social risk factors associated with crime and violence.
In addition, youth social media influencers will engage their peers online, promoting positive behaviour change. The department will also work closely with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism to unlock opportunities for youth through skills development and entrepreneurship initiatives, ensuring that young people have access to meaningful economic pathways.
The programme aims to achieve measurable outcomes, including stronger family support systems, reduced substance abuse, positive youth development, improved community cohesion, safer infrastructure, and more effective law enforcement that responds to the needs of all residents. It will also target key drivers of violent crime such as gangsterism, extortion and the proliferation of illegal firearms.
This new approach is being piloted in Mitchells Plain, where the department has established the Mitchells Plain Safety and Development Forum to guide and oversee implementation. The forum brings together respected community leaders and stakeholders who will play a critical role in ensuring that interventions are responsive, inclusive, and impactful.
The members of the Mitchells Plain Safety and Development Forum are:
- Abie Isaacs (Chairperson)
- Pastor Mark Bloemstein (Deputy Chairperson)
- Oleander Oakes (Secretary)
- Tyrone Parks (Communications)
- Bronwyn February (Youth Lead)
- Ashwin Johnson (Workstream Lead: Economic Development and Employment)
- Michael Jacobs (Workstream Lead: Safe and Secure Communities)
While announcing the Forum during her Budget Speech, Minister Marais expressed her appreciation, stating: “Your commitment, leadership, and willingness to be part of the solution embody the very essence of a whole-of-society approach. I thank each of you for stepping forward to help drive meaningful change in your community.”
The Chairperson of the Mitchells Plain Safety and Development Forum, Abie Isaacs said,” We welcome the programme being rolled out by the Western Cape Government, particularly the strong partnership approach behind it. This Forum represents the collective voice of the people of Mitchells Plain, and I encourage every resident to get involved in this inclusive effort in making Mitchells Plain a safer, more resilient community. The forum is committed to work with all government departments and stakeholders to align efforts, strengthen coordination and deliver sustainable outcomes for the people of Mitchells Plain.”
The establishment of this forum marks an important step toward building a whole-of-society response to safety. One that empowers communities, strengthens partnerships, and delivers tangible change where it is needed most. The Forum is now a registered entity and has already, with the support of the department, begun engaging key stakeholders to align and strengthen existing interventions in the area. It has further collaborated with various sectors to attract investment aimed at equipping residents, particularly youth, with skills to enhance employability and unlock local economic opportunities.
The South African Police Service, together with the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement, Metro Police, and Traffic Services, have been brought on board to bolster coordinated law enforcement efforts in the area.
Media Enquiries:
Kurt Nefdt
Acting MLO to Minister Anroux Marais
Cell: 084 285 1975
Email: Kurt.Nefdt@westerncape.gov.za