Councillor Magadien Davids, the Councillor for Ward 48, allocated R80 000 from his ward allocation towards equipment for Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) groups that included 37 two-way radios. ​

Two-way radios assist NHW members to connect with other groups and the central control rooms. It also allows members to complete follow-ups, investigate incidents in the area and call for ambulances or other relevant emergency support services.

The Blomvlei Neighbourhood Watch representatives received 15 of the radios and the remaining 22 will be issued to the other seven NHW groups in Ward 48 once they have been accredited by the Western Cape Government’s Department of Community Safety (DoCS).

NHW groups are the eyes and ears of their community and play an important role in preventing crime in the area. A NHW member from an accredited group is usually provided with a torch, a reflective jacket, a two-way radio, and a baton. However, the group as a whole must be accredited in order to receive equipment from the City. To become accredited, members of the NHW are required to undergo training provided by either the Western Cape Government or the City of Cape Town.

The handover forms part of a greater initiative run by Subcouncil 17 councillors, together with the City’s Safety and Security Department, Western Cape Government’s (WCG) Community Safety Department and South African Police Services (SAPS), to provide NHWs with training and equipment that is integral to their ability to perform their duties.

Since the 2017/18 financial year, various NHW groups have benefited from the programme, including Kenwyn, Lanscore, Lanroe, Yorkshire, Sybrand Park, Sonneblom, and Silvertown.