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 structures must first apply for Accreditation to the Western Cape Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety (POCS). Once approved for accreditation, the NHW structure becomes eligible for resourcing, training and funding.
Accreditation of NHWs
When your NHW structure is approved and accredited they will receive an Accreditation Certificate as well as a “Starter Kit”. The accreditation certificate is valid for two years and must be renewed 3 months before expiration so that the accreditation does not lapse.
Accredited NHWs
As of 19 May 2023, 519 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 Police Oversight and Community Safety (POCS) offers Basic NHW training free of charge. POCS will provide all logistics for the training. The training is provided in communities throughout the Western Cape at a community hall within the area.
The “Basic Training” is compulsory for all NHWs in the Province and is viewed as an“Orientation course” for NHW structures.
Resources for NHWs
All accredited Neighbourhood Watches qualify for and are issued with a “Starter Kit” that contains the following:
- Reflective vests
- Torches
- A NHW banner
- A first aid kit
- Safety whistles
- A storage box
*It should be noted that the “Starter Kit” is a once-off allocation.
The new NHW brand
The POCS 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 Police Oversight and Community Safety has developed a funding model aligned to the Western Cape Community Safety Act of 2013 (s.6). Departmental funds will be made available in support of accredited NHWs (budget-dependent).
Accredited NHWs may apply for funding which may be utilised for:
- bank charges,
- administration cost,
- project cost and/or
- operational support of the NHW structure.
Funding applications must provide details of the project plan and the budget breakdown.
A maximum of Ten Thousand Rand (R10 000) may be allocated to those accredited NHWs that apply for funding. After all the required documentation has been submitted to the Department, an adjudication panel meeting is held to recommend those applications which are compliant.
For more information on the NHW Accreditation and Support Programme, please contact:
Neighbourhood Watch helpline
Tel: 021 483 0254 / 021 483 6371 / 021 483 7834
Email: Neighbourhood.Watch@westerncape.gov.za, or alternatively:
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 0254/ (021) 483 6371/ (021) 483 7834 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
Code of Conduct for Neighbourhood Watches in the Western Cape
Click here to download.
Neighbourhood Watch News Bulletin
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We are pleased to share with you that the Western Cape Government (WCG) has once again achieved certification as a Top Employer in 2024. |
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This project is an initiative of the Western Cape Government. |
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