City invites nominations for Neighbourhood Watch Awards
04 October 2020
Nominations for the annual Neighbourhood Watch Awards are open. Nominate an accredited neighbourhood watch (NW) or an individual member by 23 October 2020. The awards highlight the important voluntary work that NW members do to keep communities safe and recognises their good working relationship with City enforcement agencies.
‘Neighbourhood watches play an important role in creating a safe environment in communities, but also contribute towards community cohesion and pride. Apart from the focus on crime patrols, many have also initiated community projects such as clean-up campaigns to beautify their environment. These awards honour neighbourhood watch volunteers and teams who excelled in the call of duty, but also walked the extra mile to assist communities,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
The awards consist of two broad categories – that of individual members with proven outstanding achievement in safeguarding community members and property, and awards for NW teams.
The categories for the individual awards are:
NW member of the Year
Organisational Excellence: for excellence in neighbourhood management.
Mobiliser of the Year: for exceptional efforts to encourage and grow communities in support of safety.
Inspiration of the Year: an NH leader who has displayed inspirational public leadership, across several NH areas, in support of community safety and the greater public good.
Crime Fighter of the Year: for exceptional, selfless, professional and committed service, in the fight against crime.
Courage in Action: in recognition of sustained NH operations in the face of highly compromised community safety, like drug activity or gang violence.
The categories for NW teams consist of:
NW Group of the Year: an organisation that upholds, with outstanding achievement, the purpose of safeguarding its members and property
Broken Window Award: in recognition of exceptional efforts towards a clean, healthy and safe environment
Social Responsibility Award: in recognition of a commitment to addressing mitigating and healing social ills, towards healthier, inclusive and united communities.
Courage in Action Group Award: in recognition of sustained NH operations in the face of highly compromised community safety.
Details of the nomination process and an easy-to-follow guide are available online at www.capetown.gov.za.
Residents can only nominate NW members or teams that are accredited with the Western Cape Department of Community Safety or who have formally submitted their application for accreditation.
Information on the nomination process as well as the necessary evidence and motivation can be found here: https://bit.ly/CCT-NWAwards
Completed nomination forms should be submitted to nhwawards@capetown.gov.za . No late nominations will be accepted.
‘Neighbourhood Watches are highly efficient community structures that assist with promoting community safety and improving quality of life. They are an important communication link between enforcement agencies and the suburbs they represent as they work across community sectoral groups. The City will continue to build on the proud relationship we have with these organisations and provide the support for them to be able to fulfil their duties on the frontline. I would like to encourage residents to participate in the award process and submit nominations for their favourite member or team, so we may acknowledge their efforts,’ added Alderman Smith.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
