Western Cape MEC of Social Development, Jaco Londt, officially opened the upgraded Horizon Child Youth Care Centre in Eerste River.

The centre is one of the seven secure care facilities operated by the Department of Social Development (DSD) for sentenced young men aged 18 to 20 and awaiting trial boys aged 13 to 17.

More than 29 000 children and teenagers have been housed at these centres by DSD since 2010.

Children involved in the criminal justice system are accommodated in five of these establishments.

A provincial Department of Infrastructure renovation project worth R138 million saw Horizon Child Youth Care Centre get refurbished apartments, five more classrooms, a multi-purpose room, a visitor hall, spaces for training in vocational skills including a computer lab, woodworking workshop and art room, storage rooms, an enhanced access control room, and more parking spaces.

Tertuis Simmers, MEC of Infrastructure, said these improvements are more than just new fixtures and furnishings, they signify the department's dedication to provide young people a secure and encouraging environment.

“We are making sure that every young person at Horizon secure care centre may flourish and have a better future by investing in facilities that adhere to international standards. The extensive renovation, which includes brand-new classrooms and cutting-edge training facilities, reflects our dedication to holistic development and rehabilitation,” said Mr Simmers.

Former Horizon resident, Marruwaan Meyer, said as a 16 year old he was caught up in illegal activities that lead to him getting into trouble with the law and being incarcerated at the secure care centre.

He said the centre changed his life with the programmes they offer which made him discover the person that he is today.

He is currently studying office administration at Boland College.

A gym facility for the youth. PICTURE: BHEKI RADEBE

Projects on display at the art class in Horizon. PICTURE: BHEKI RADEBE

Leana Goosen, chief director: social welfare and restorative services at the Department of Social Development, showing one of five new classrooms at Horizon. PICTURE: BHEKI RADEBE

Woodwork being done by one of the Horizon residents. PICTURE: BHEKI RADEBE

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Upgraded Horizon secure care centre reopened