Mitchell’s Plain safety plan moves forward with community input

"Together, we have taken vital steps towards shaping a safer and more prosperous future for the residents of Mitchell’s Plain," said Western Cape MEC of police oversight and community safety, Anroux Marais, at the Mitchell’s Plain Safety and Development Plan meeting.

On Saturday, August 16,, at Cedar High School of Arts in Rocklands the meeting was held as part of a government initiative to discuss safety and development in Mitchell’s Plain. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 2.

Community leaders, law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, residents, and government representatives participated in discussions aimed at addressing crime in the area.

The engagement provided a platform for dialogue and practical collaboration, with stakeholders asked to identify and prioritize projects and programmes that would have the most impact. Participants also voted on initiatives in order of preference to guide implementation, ("Stakeholders to refine Mitchell’s Plain safety plan ahead of budget deadline" Plainsman Aug 14).

Ashwin Johnson, teacher, social service professional, and chairperson of the Portland Community Safety and Development Foundation, described the meeting as interactive and productive. He said it underscored that safety and community development must go hand in hand, urging all spheres of government, particularly the City of Cape Town, to actively support the plan and partner with organisations committed to changing Mitchell’s Plain’s narrative.

Cape Flats Safety Forum chairperson, Abie Isaacs, noted that while the plan will feed into the provincial safety plan, this approach is community-driven. “As this forum, we will keep the government accountable in terms of deliverables. We saw a whole-of-society approach, and we thank all who came out and gave input,” he said.

Lentegeur CPF chairperson, Michael Jacobs, said: “As the Lentegeur CPF, we fully endorse the safety initiative. It has the potential to bring government and community together to create a safer Mitchell’s Plain.”

Ms Marais said: “I thank all stakeholders for their constructive input, unwavering support, and continued dedication to ensuring that Mitchell’s Plain becomes a place where all residents can feel safe and thrive.”

The Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety said it looks forward to moving from planning to action, guided by a shared vision of safer communities through inclusive partnerships, she said.