City support programme lights up Atlantis Neighbourhood Watch
09 July 2025
The Oasis Neighbourhood Watch (NW) received City-sponsored equipment during a handover event on Tuesday, 8 July 2025, attended by Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
The City has approved ward allocations of nearly R4,4 million to support accredited NWs in the 2025/26 financial year.
This process is managed by the Safety and Security Directorate through the Neighbourhood Watch Support Programme, now in its 16th year.
Over time, the programme has grown from equipment handovers to include training and skills development opportunities like First Aid, monitoring duties in local CCTV control rooms and access to technology such as the Trusted Partner App.
The App is a digital tool designed to improve communication and coordination between safety role players, enhancing incident reporting and rapid response efforts.
NWs are also integral to the City's disaster response plans, particularly during severe weather episodes in winter.
On Tuesday, 8 July 2025, Alderman Smith handed over equipment to the Oasis NW in Atlantis.
This included body-worn cameras, traffic control lights, LED vehicle lights and night vision goggles.
The Oasis NW has 27 members - 17 participated in area patrols following the handover.
‘Our ever-evolving support to Neighbourhood Watches is an investment in community safety. Not only have we seen interesting changes in the type of equipment handovers - from bicycles, reflective bibs and torches some years ago - to more advanced tools today that have elevated the capabilities of these organisations. It also shows just how we value the individuals and groups who give up their time to diligently 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,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
For more information on NWs, including how to start a watch, please visit: https://www.capetown.gov.za/local%20and%20communities/community-health-and-safety/community-policing/neighbourhood-watch
Photo caption : Alderman JP Smith attending the handover
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
