Neighbourhood Watch (NHW)
(Western Cape Government)
Your Neighbourhood needs you
Click here to apply for Neighbourhood Watch Accreditation.
We all play an important role in keeping our community safe. We encourage communities to fight crime in their neighbourhood by joining their Neighbourhood Watch (NHW). There are many benefits for a community which takes responsibility, when working closely with the police, to prevent and combat crime.
We have a Neighbourhood Watch Accreditation and Support Programme t
hat’s aimed at regulating and supporting the functions of accredited Neighbourhood Watch structures. The NHW model is a whole-of-society approach to prevent crime and violence. It encourages and empowers citizens to participate in preventing and responding to crime and violence in their communities. The Neighbourhood Watch Accreditation and Support Programme is aligned to Section 6 of the Western Cape Community Safety Act of 2013.
The NHW Accreditation and Support Programme aims to:
- Provide support to accredited NHW to become sustainable and capable safety partners within Government and communities.
- Acknowledge and recognise the efforts of accredited NHW and their contribution to safety.
- Identify and document safety concerns within communities.
All NHW must first apply for Accreditation to the Western Cape Department of Community Safety (DoCS). Once approved for accreditation, NHW becomes eligible for resourcing, training and funding.
Accreditation of NHWs
When your NHW is approved and accredited they will receive an Accreditation Certificate as well as a “Starter Kit”. The accreditation certificate is valid for 2 years and must be renewed 3 months before expiration so that the accreditation does not lapse.
Accredited NHWs
As of 21 January 2021, 322 NHWs across the Western Cape had been formally accredited.
Training for NHWs
As part of the NHW Accreditation and Support Programme, the Western Cape Department of Community Safety (DoCS) offers various training courses free of charge. DOCS will provide all logistics for the training. The training is provided within communities throughout the Western Cape at a community hall within the area.
The training NHWs can receive, includes the following:
- Basic NHW Training;
- Meeting Skills;
- Basic Finance;
- Conflict Management and Mediation;
- Basic Fire Fighting, and
- First Aid Level 1
These training modules are the first steps towards developing a comprehensive curriculum for NHWs. The “Basic Training” is compulsory for all NHWs in the Province and is viewed as the “Orientation” phase of NHW training.
Resources for NHWs
All accredited Neighbourhood Watches qualify for and are issued with a “Starter Kit” that contains the following:
- Reflective vests
- Torches
- Strobe lights for the vehicles
- Magnetic decals
- A first aid kit
- A fire extinguisher
- Safety whistles
- A storage box
*It should be noted that the “Starter Kit” is a once-off allocation.
The new NHW brand
The DoCS has embarked on a journey to transform NHWs in the Western Cape. This included changing the brand and creating a strategy to actively recruit more people to become members of their local accredited NHW. Read more about the new strategy, branding and the Neighbourhood Watch Volunteerism Campaign here.
Funding for NHWs
The Department of Community Safety has developed a funding model that make funds available in support of accredited NHWs. A maximum amount of R10 000 is available for each accredited NHW, one payment only per financial year. It should be noted that funding for subsequent financial years will be subject to the budget allocation made to the Department and therefore not guaranteed. To access the funding, the NHW will be required to complete the official documentation and submit it to the Department. This documentation is aligned with the Public Finance Management Act (PMFA) and is subject to the terms and conditions set out by the Department. Funding is based on budget availability and payment will be made once the documents have been verified for compliance. The funds may be used to cover bank charges, administration costs and/or towards the operational needs of the NWH structure.
For more information on the NHW Accreditation and Support Programme, please contact:
Neighbourhood Watch helpline
Tel: 021 483 7813
Email: Neighbourhood.Watch@westerncape.gov.za, or alternatively:
Fagroodien Johnson (Assistant Manager)
Email: Fagrodien.Johnson@westerncape.gov.za
Tel: 021 483 7893
Athenkosi Musoke
Email: Athenkosi.Musoke@westerncape.gov.za
Tel: 021 483 6995
Gary Cornberg
Email: Gary.Cornberg@westerncape.gov.za
Tel: 021 483 7855
Fadia Ismail
Email: Fadia.Ismail@westerncape.gov.za
Tel: 021 483 7834
Sonwabile Mabuwa
Email: Sonwabile.Mabuwa@westerncape.gov.za
Tel: 021 483 8275
Kirstie Bagarette
Email: Kirstie.Bagarette@westerncape.gov.za
Tel: 021 483 7813
Operating Office Hours: 07:00 – 16:00
If you'd like to set-up a meeting with the NHW Team:
- Members of the public must make an appointment telephonically at (021) 483 7813 / (021) 483 7855/ (021) 483 6331 / (021) 483 8275 to confirm a date and time.
- Appointments will be scheduled on a first come, first served basis.
- No walk-ins will be allowed as meeting rooms must be arranged in advance
Cod e of Conduct for Neighbourhood Watches in the Western Cape
Click here to download.
Neighbourhood Watch News Bulletin
 |
Western Cape Government © 2022. All rights reserved.
This project is an initiative of the Western Cape Government. |
 |