The Safety initiative was launched on Saturday June 8 with the event attended by Klapmuts residents and community safety stakeholders.
This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Klapmuts community, Ranyaka Community Transformation (a Stellenbosch-based NPC), the Nedbank Proud of my Town programme, Stellenbosch Municipality, and Stellenbosch Bridge.
The event featured participants from the SA Police Service SAPS, the Klapmuts Community Policing Forum (CPF), the Klapmuts Neighbourhood Watch (NHW), the Department of Social Development, the Department of Health, Working on Fire, Stellenbosch Municipality (represented by ward councillor, JC Anthony and ward administrator, Michelle Maluqua), and Ranyaka.
According to Ranyaka, the highlight of the day was the presentation of the draft Klapmuts Safety Plan to the community and other interested parties. This plan, developed through a collaborative process led by Ranyaka, includes input from local stakeholders.
It provides detailed guidelines on the roles of various safety service providers (such as SAPS, CPF, and NHW), the resources needed to address safety concerns, and methods for comprehensive crime reporting. The plan is a dynamic document, allowing for continuous input to improve safety strategies in Klapmuts.
“Crime negatively influences every aspect of a community’s well-being, including its economy. Addressing community safety requires a collective effort and the need to look beyond the symptoms to the root causes. By investing in community safety initiatives, we derisk areas, invite further investment and unlock growth opportunities in an area,” says Johan Olivier, Ranyaka Executive Director.
Another key moment was the handover of reflective vests and torches, sponsored by the Nedbank Proud of my Town programme, to the local police for donation to the neighbourhood watch.
Additionally, over 100 children from Klapmuts participated in fun and educational activities hosted by Working on Fire and the Department of Health, learning about fire safety and personal hygiene during the event.
The event concluded with the presentation of stationery hampers, sponsored by Stellenbosch Bridge, to the winners of a children’s drawing competition. Young artists from Klapmuts showcased their visions for a safer Klapmuts.
The Klapmuts Safety Initiative is co-funded by local development, Stellenbosch Bridge, and the Nedbank Proud of my Town programme, and is part of Ranyaka’s national community safety programme.
Community safety is a significant concern in all 28 communities where Ranyaka implements the Proud of my Town programme.
The overarching programme says Ranyaka, includes mapping and facilitating collaboration between local safety bodies, developing formal safety plans, capacity-building, donating safety equipment, and mobilising community members in local safety initiatives.
Email Amy Levendal at amy@ranyaka.co.za for more information on the Klapmuts safety initiative.
