Youth Safety Religious Programme June 2019

The Department of Community Safety’s Youth Safety and Religious Programme officially launched on Monday, 17 June 2019 and will continue up until Friday, 5 July 2019. It is being implemented in a wide variety of communities across the province, which among others include Strandfontein, Makhaza, Tafelsig, Delft South, Philippi East, Khayelitsha, Meerlust, Kalksteenfontein, Samora Machell, Kraaifontein, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Hermanus, Hawston, Lwandle, Robertson, Strand, Bredasdorp, Porterville, De Doorns and Wesbank. 
 
The Youth Safety and Religious Programme (YSRP) is a flagship initiative of the Department of Community Safety aimed specifically at increasing safety through implementing targeted anti-social behaviour and youth initiatives in partnership with the religious fraternity of the province. 

The programme was first launched in 2012, and has expanded significantly since then, now reaching thousands of young people across the province.  Last year the Department of Community Safety invested R6.2 million into the initiative, and over 75 000 young people in 41 areas participated in the programme.     

This year the Department will be introducing a new Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) component, where young people will be given an opportunity to work in communities for a set period of time while receiving a stipend. Over 800 EPWP opportunities will be made available. 

Minister Fritz would like to thank the religious fraternity, representing  a number of different faiths, for their willingness to partner with government on this important initiative. He also encourages them to use their positive influence in their communities to help drive the message that safety is everyone’s responsibility and that we need to continue working together to tackle crime.     Under the leadership of Minister Albert Fritz, the Department of Community Safety will continue to work with community organisations and support programmes that provide opportunities for our young people, so that they are kept safe and away from alcohol, gangs and drugs.