Media Release: Chrysalis Graduates Can Contribute to Creating a Safer Province

Chrysalis Graduates Can Contribute to Creating a Safer Western Cape

Minister of Community Safety, Alan Winde says the Chrysalis graduates have an excellent opportunity to now contribute to creating a safer Western Cape.

While delivering the key note address during the formal graduation ceremony of 18 BRAVO today, at the Chrysalis Academy in Tokai, Minister Winde said: “The graduates should be proud of completing the three-month long programme. They have a responsibility to use their acquired knowledge and skills to continue uplifting themselves and their communities.”

18 BRAVO, which is the academy’s female course, commenced on 1 September 2018 - 190 students graduated. Students come from various communities across the province, including Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, Hanover Park, Plettenberg bay, George, Mossel Bay, Knysna, Beaufort West, Saldanha, Hermanus, Piketberg, Albertinia, Van Rhynsdorp and Worcester among many others. 

They also performed community service in Lavender Hill and Westlake as part of our strategy to cultivate active citizenship.  In addition, they were exposed to computer training, women’s health training and many donated blood for the first time.

The purpose of the Chrysalis Academy is to serve as a platform for youth to deepen their resilience and unleash their potential through physical, mental, emotional and spiritual development, enabling them to be role models and agents of positive change.

Minister Winde said: “The Department of Community Safety has since the inception of the Chrysalis Academy in 1999, remained the main funder and donor of the Chrysalis programme. During the 2017/18 financial year, the Academy was funded with R13 327 000.

I am especially pleased that all graduates are matched with a 12-month long paid career opportunity, which will commence on 26 November 2018, and 5-year after-care support. It is vital that further development and support is provided to the graduates, so that they are able to reach their full potential.”

The graduates will be placed at municipalities across the province, the NPA, Chrysalis Academy, hospitals and clinics, Community Improvement Districts as well as police stations. 

Minister Winde said: “I want to encourage all graduates to be positive role models in their communities, as our province needs everyone’s active participation particularly that of the country’s youth to ensure a Safer Western Cape.