Klapmuts residents and community safety stakeholders celebrated the launch of the Klapmuts Safety Initiative on Saturday 8 June.
The initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Klapmuts community, Ranyaka Community Transformation, the Nedbank Proud of my Town programme, Stellenbosch Municipality, and Stellenbosch Bridge. The event featured representatives of the Klapmuts police, the Klapmuts Community Policing Forum (CPF), the Klapmuts Neighbourhood Watch, the Department of Social Development, the Department of Health, Working on Fire, Stellenbosch Municipality (represented by ward councillor JC Anthony and ward administrator Michelle Maluqua), and Ranyaka.
The highlight of the day was the presentation of the draft Klapmuts Safety Plan to the community and other interested parties. The plan, developed through a collaborative process led by Stellenbosch-based NPC Ranyaka, includes input from local stakeholders. It provides detailed guidelines on the roles of various safety service providers, the resources needed to address safety concerns, and methods for comprehensive crime reporting. The dynamic document allows for continuous input to improve safety strategies in Klapmuts.
“Crime negatively influences every aspect of a community’s well-being, including its economy,” said Johan Olivier, Ranyaka executive director. “Addressing community safety requires a collective effort and the need to look beyond the symptoms to the root causes. By investing in community safety initiatives, we de-risk areas, invite further investment and unlock growth opportunities in an area.”
Another key moment was the handover of reflective vests and torches, sponsored by the Nedbank Proud of my Town programme, for donation to the neighbourhood watch. Over 100 children from Klapmuts participated in fun and educational activities hosted by Working on Fire and the health department, learning about fire safety and personal hygiene.
The event concluded with the presentation of stationery hampers, sponsored by Stellenbosch Bridge, to the winners of a children’s drawing competition. Young artists from Klapmuts showcased their visions for a safer Klapmuts.
The Klapmuts Safety Initiative is co-funded by local development organisation, Stellenbosch Bridge, and the Nedbank Proud of my Town programme, and is part of Ranyaka’s national community safety programme. Community safety is a significant concern in all 28 communities where Ranyaka implements the Proud of my Town programme.
The programme includes mapping and facilitating collaboration between local safety bodies, developing formal safety plans, capacity-building, donating safety equipment, and mobilising community members in local safety initiatives.
- For more information about the Klapmuts Safety Initiative, email Amy Levendal on amy@ranyaka.co.za.
