Murphy Roberts

JP Smith, the Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, visited the Oasis Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) in Protea Park op Tuesday 8 July, and handed over City of Cape Town-sponsored equipment, including body-cameras, traffic control lights, LED vehicle lights and night vision goggles.

Smith said the City has approved ward allocations of nearly R4.4 million to support accredited NHWs in the 2025/2026 financial year. This process is managed by the Safety and Security Directorate through the Neighbourhood Watch Support Programme, now in its 16th year. Smith also said that the programme has grown from equipment handovers to include training and skills development opportunities like first-aid kits, monitoring duties in local CCTV control rooms and access to technology like the Trusted Partner app. This app is a digital tool designed to improve communication and coordination between safety role players, enhancing incident reporting and rapid response efforts.

“Our ever-evolving support to Neighbourhood Watches is an investment in community safety,” Smith said.

He pointed out the changes in the type of equipment handovers, from bicycles, reflective bibs and torches some years ago to more advanced tools today. These handovers have elevated the capabilities of the NHWs. “It also shows that we value these individuals and groups who diligently give up their time to protect and serve their communities. I look forward to another fruitful year with our Neighbourhood Watches and other community safety structures, and I encourage more of our residents to get involved in their local structures,” he concluded.