The City of Cape Town has proposed a R6,8 billion operating budget for its Safety and Security Directorate for the 2026-’27 financial year, alongside a draft capital budget of just over R204,9 million.
While the budget is yet to be approved, officials say it reflects continued investment in public safety, enforcement and emergency response services across the metro.
Balancing enforcement and emergency response
The directorate’s responsibilities extend beyond crime prevention, covering a wide range of services including Law Enforcement, Metro Police, Traffic Services, Fire and Rescue, the Disaster Risk Management Centre and Public Emergency Communication Centre.
Mayco member for Safety and Security JP Smith emphasised the broader scope of the budget.
“The funds will be used to upgrade a range of security infrastructure, including CCTV cameras and fire stations,” he said.
The City has increased its enforcement staff by nearly 1 500 officers in recent years, a move that has driven up operational costs such as salaries, fuel and uniforms.
Officials have also pushed back against claims that the budget is focused solely on crime-fighting technology, describing such assertions as misinformation.
Major infrastructure upgrades planned
A significant portion of the capital budget is earmarked for infrastructure and facility improvements aimed at strengthening service delivery.
Key allocations include:
- R83.1 million for upgrades at the Public Safety Training College;
- R20 million for fire station upgrades;
- R14.2 million for a new Law Enforcement base along Stellenbosch Arterial Road;
- R10 million for refurbishing the Joint Policing Centre;
- R3 million for the construction of a fire station in Langa.
Smith highlighted the importance of expanding services in high-demand areas. “We are spending R14 million on a law-enforcement and safety-and-security base on Stellenbosch Arterial Road to serve Delft and Belhar,” he said.
Technology investment under scrutiny
The draft budget also includes funding for technological upgrades, though these form a relatively small portion of the overall allocation.
Planned spending includes:
- R1 million for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (drones)
- R12.6 million for CCTV expansion and replacement
Smith noted that camera deployments have been prioritised in high-crime areas.
“For the last few years, all of the camera rollout has gone to the highest crime rate areas, except where ward budgets provide for cameras. Ideally, we want to be in the realm of about R25 million for CCTV.”
Growing demand for safety services
The City said the proposed budget reflects increasing pressure on safety services as Cape Town’s population grows and demand rises.
With a dual focus on enforcement and emergency response, the directorate’s funding aims to ensure readiness across multiple fronts, from crime prevention to disaster management.
Residents and stakeholders can review the full draft budget via the City’s official document portal.
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