Minister Marais joins West Coast district mayor at inaugural “neatest police station” celebratory event

Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, joined the West Coast District Mayor, Alderman Boffie Strydom, at the inaugural West Coast District Municipality Neatest Police Station celebratory event, held on Friday, 05 December 2025.

The initiative, conceptualised and driven by the West Coast District Municipality, aims to promote pride, cleanliness, and a supportive working environment at police stations across the district. The Western Cape Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety proudly supported the project as part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening policing environments and improving service delivery.

Minister Marais applauded the West Coast District Municipality for taking proactive steps to recognize and uplift police stations, noting that the condition of a workplace plays a crucial role in the wellbeing and performance of officers.

Minister Marais said, “When a work environment is well-maintained and supportive, it has a major impact on morale. Employees who feel valued, who feel seen, and who feel cared for naturally develop a more positive attitude towards their work. And with that positive attitude comes better performance, increased dedication, and improved outcomes for the organization and the communities we serve.”

Speaking at the Awards Gala held in Riebeek, Executive Mayor Alderman Boffie Strydom highlighted how the initiative supports the West Coast District`s Community and Rural Safety Plan. “When we adopted this plan as a council, we placed significant emphasis on collaboration and partnerships to improve safety. These awards are one of the major outcomes of that commitment”, he said.

While addressing the event, the Western Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Patekile praised the West Coast District Municipality for the initiative and expressed gratitude to all involved in the project for recognizing and supporting police officers. He encouraged Station Commanders to use this as a stepping stone to do better.

Minister Marais highlighted that police officers work under immense pressure and deserve spaces that contribute to their health and resilience.

Minister Marais said, “Police officers face trauma, danger, and emotional strain on a daily basis. They see the things we hope never to see. They deal with situations most people cannot imagine. The nature of their work places enormous pressure not only on their physical safety but also on their mental and emotional wellbeing. It is for this reason that creating and maintaining healthy work environments is not merely beneficial, it is essential.”

Minister Marais reaffirmed her department’s commitment to improved policing environments across the province.

“As the custodian of police oversight and community safety in the Western Cape, it is a personal priority of my office to see morale among SAPS members boosted across the province. We cannot expect excellence from people who feel neglected. We cannot demand strength from those who feel unsupported. I wish to see this initiative rolled out to all districts in the Western Cape”, Minister Marais concluded.

Media Enquiries:
Kurt Nefdt, Acting MLO to Minister Anroux Marais
Cell: 084 285 1975
Email: Kurt.Nefdt@westerncape.gov.za