Police Oversight and Community Safety
With respect to neighbourhood watches (NHWs) in the Western Cape:
(a) (i) What was the total amount of NHWs and (ii) how many people were accredited members of NHWs in (aa) 2018/19, (bb) 2019/20, (cc) 2020/21, (dd) 2021/22 and (ee) 2022/23 to date, (b) what are the criteria for funding, (c) how is funding determined, (d) how much on average does each NHW receive in funding from his Department and (e) what initiatives or programmes does his Department have in place to help establish NWHs?
[a] [i] The current total of accredited Neighbourhood Watch [NHW] structures is 490 across the province. It should be noted that the total number fluctuates on a month-by-month basis as some structures’ accreditation expires and new structures are accredited.
[ii] [aa]) 2018/19 – 4093 - total number of NHW members.
[bb] 2019/20 – 9859 - total number of NHW members.
[cc] 2020/21 – 3602 – total number of NHW members (Covid period)
[dd] 2021/22 – 7376 – total number of NHW members.
[ee] 2022/23 – to date – 15432 - total number of NHW members.
[b] In order to qualify for funding, a NHW structure must:
- be accredited [Accreditation Certificate];
- provide evidence that they are functional and conform with the Minimum Standards for Accreditation as required in terms of section 6 of the Western Cape Community Safety Act 3 of 2013;
- have a valid bank account in the name of the NHW structure, confirmed by their bank; and
- have three [3] signatories as required in terms of the Public Finance Management Act [PFMA].
[c] The provision of funding is dependent on budget availability.
[d] An accredited NHW structure can apply for funding of R10 000 per annum towards its operational and administrative costs. Funding for subsequent years is dependent on the departmental budget allocation and a compliant audit.
[e] It should be noted that accreditation of NHW structures is a voluntary process. Although the Department does not actively establish NHW structures, the Department has a NHW web page where all information is listed, the site also hosts the quarterly NHW Newsletter which allows accredited NHW structures to share best practices and or initiatives implemented by them. Furthermore, the Department has a NHW Facebook account which is used to share important information. We will also facilitate information sessions as and when requested.
NHWs are a critical cog in our efforts to combat crime, as they are the additional ears and eyes. Their intelligence helps to provide information to law enforcement agencies, while their overall visibility, ensures that community members and households feel a lot safer. Minister Reagen Allen, as part of his 100 days in office has also committed to as of the end of September, commence with a process of announcing a monthly crime fighter. There will be a particular focus on NHW and Community Police Forum [CPF]) members, but also other recognised safety stakeholders. This individual will receive an award for their significant contribution to creating a safer environment. All the details are being fleshed out and in due course further announcements as to how this process will unfold and what it will entail, will be made.
