Department Extends Its Appreciation to Its Partners in the Religious Fraternity

On 7 March 2019 the Youth Safety and Religion Partnership (YSRP) programme (Directorate: Safety Promotion and Partnerships) hosted the representatives of the religious fraternity who participated in the programme during 2019 at an Appreciation Event at the Dulcie September Civic Centre in Athlone.

This annual programme, which is implemented during the June/July and December/January holidays, was first piloted during 2012/13, and targets young people between the ages of 14 to 21 years. The aim of the programme is to ensure that a safe space is provided where young people can participate in activities, such as life skills awareness and education, sport, recreation and vocational training.

Presentations were made by three religious organisations on the successful roll-out of their holiday programmes, namely Fikelela Aids Project from Bonteheuwel, Promise Keepers from Khayelithsa and A-Z Helping Hands from Manenberg.

They thanked the Department of Community Safety for the funding which ensures that more young people from disadvantaged areas are engaged in constructive and empowering activities during the school holidays. During his keynote address Minister Winde said: “The religious fraternity is well-established in all communities and if we are to combat crime and make the Western Cape the safest province in the country, we will require a whole of society approach, and this is why this partnership is so vital.

They have a sound footprint in all areas, including those with high levels of crime, and in most cases are already implementing programmes in their respective communities. “

Minister Winde concluded that the impact of the programme is invaluable, as many young people are just looking for a safe and secure space where they are able to play and have fun during the holiday.