Cadets move up during ranking ceremony
31 March 2026
More than 80 cadets received ranks this weekend.
The youth cadet programme was first introduced as a Metro Police Department social crime prevention initiative in 2013.
After a break in the programme forced by the pandemic, it has since moved to the Public Safety Training College and is once again growing from strength to strength’
The 82 cadets from the Public Safety Training College received ranks that include divisional commander, company commander, unit and section commanders, master cadets, and others moving up within the levels.
The City’s Safety and Security Directorate works in partnership with the Western Cape Education Department and Safe Schools to identify suitable candidates for the programme, including learners who display potential, leadership skills, and a commitment to their schooling.
The aim of the ranking structure is to create clear roles and responsibilities with lines of accountability.
It promotes leadership development by allowing cadets to take ownership of specific duties and ensures effective coordination of activities, while creating strong leadership skills and supportive discipline.
This fosters personal growth and influences work readiness within the policing discipline.
‘The directorate has shown an incredible commitment to youth development within our Metro. It takes real discipline and a deep commitment to our youth to ensure programmes are supported a decade or more after it was first started. The value they add cannot simply be measured in numbers - every life changed through the cadet programme has a cascading effect that changes the course for siblings, family members and hopefully communities.
‘We’ve seen the impact a young inspirational person can have in their communities through Law Enforcement, Metro Police and Traffic, and more recently through LEAP and the NSOs. A salute of thanks goes to the college and those at the head, for their commitment to the cadet programme, the camps and developing the youth. I also extend my gratitude to the families, without whose support we won’t have the opportunity to engage with these young people and help them to shape their futures,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
The cadet programme is rolled out over five phases:
- Recruitment and Selection Phase – leadership and anti-crime awareness interventions are conducted at schools whereby the schools through the WCED selects learners to be enrolled in the Youth Cadet Programme.
- Foundational Phase – focuses on awareness, exposure and basic skill building.
- Development Phase - focuses on understanding, application, confidence and team dynamics.
- Leadership Phase - focuses on strategic thinking, innovation, specialisation and problem solving.
- Exit Phase – graduates are provided opportunities for work experience and further studies.
Aside from the 82 seniors which were ranked, there are also 66 juniors, and all are in various phases of their training programme at the college which include navigation, agriculture, arts and culture, community service, communication, professional conduct, first aid and music.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
