NHW Volunteerism Campaign to Encourage Wider Community Participation | Western Cape Government

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NHW Volunteerism Campaign to Encourage Wider Community Participation

28 March 2019

Minister of Community Safety, Alan Winde says, today’s launch of the Neighbourhood Watch Volunteerism campaign (NHWVC), will encourage greater participation in residents keeping their communities safe.

The launch of the #NHWVC, which took place at the River Club, Observatory, forms part of the Department’s efforts to professionalise NHW’s with the objective of enhancing the image of the programme and re-enforcing safety messaging and initiatives within communities.

Minister Winde said: “The introduction of our new brand shows our commitment to changing the old positioning and stigmas, as we take Neighbourhood Watches (NHW) into the future. The community volunteer safety structures are essential in the fight against crime. The have already demonstrated how effective they are in this regard.

The 2017/18 crime statistics, shows that through their visibility and patrols in communities, property related crimes, which includes residential- and business burglary and the theft of-and out of a motor vehicle, were reduced by 6,8%. My hope is that we will see a further reduction, and by becoming active proponents of crime prevention, we can create safer neighbourhoods, and increase perceptions of safety in our areas.”

Today’s launch was attended by the majority of the 209 Metro structures and included various presentations, exhibitions and a panel discussion. Accredited NHW’s will continue to receive their training and starter kits, and will now also be eligible for caps, umbrellas, draw string bags, water bottles, t-shirts and a notebook and pen set.

A second launch is planned for the rest of the Province.

Minister Winde said: “I commend our current crop of volunteers who are already active in the fight against crime. I call on the rest of society to stand up against crime, as it will be through the continued efforts of all the volunteers and relevant stakeholders, including SAPS, Government and civil society organisations that a #SaferWesternCape can be created.”

Media Enquiries: 

Marcellino Martin
Spokesperson for Minister Alan Winde
marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za
(021) 483 3873 (o)
082 721 3362 (m)