Mitchell’s Plain Safety and Development Forum moves into implementation phase

The Mitchell's Plain Safety and Development Plan, focused on improving safety and socio-economic conditions in Mitchell’s Plain, is moving into its implementation phase following a rigorous selection and planning process.

The initiative is supported by the Western Cape Government.

The Mitchell's Plain Safety and Development Forum, a community-led structure focused on safety and development, was formed after a series of meetings that guided priorities and the forum’s selection process, said Kurt Nefdt, acting media liaison to Anroux Marais, Western Cape MEC of Police Oversight and Community Safety.

A meeting held on Tuesday January 27 at the Mitchell's Plain police station, noted that 36 applications were received to serve on the forum, with several eliminated due to limited involvement in programmes within Mitchell’s Plain, ("Mitchell’s Plain Safety and Development Forum to be formed with community-led criteria" Plainsman September 10).

They also addressed that the programme is built around four priority areas; intergrated violence prevention, economic growth and job creation, governance and training, and effective and responsive law enforcement. A further focus includes collaboration between businesses and crime prevention efforts, said Mr Nefdt.

Applicants were required to go through various assessment processes, with selections guided by a clear set of criteria that considered both eligibility and existing community work.

The next step will see Ms Marais formally announce the successful candidates, after which a formal handover process will begin.

The initiative is intended to operate as a provincial programme feeding into the Provincial Safety Council, with quarterly meetings involving politicians, academics and other stakeholders, chaired by Premier Alan Winde.

While Mitchell’s Plain is the current focus, plans are under way to roll out similar structures in Nyanga, Mfuleni and Delft. An executive team has already been selected specifically for Mitchell’s Plain, said Mr Nefdt ("Mitchell’s Plain stakeholders map safety and development priorities" Plainsman September 30).

Proposed project plans include youth employment initiatives, holiday programmes, safe zones and hubs, youth safety social media ambassadors, painting projects in designated safe areas, and office administration and communication programmes. These plans still need to be finalised and approved by leadership, with implementation expected to start in February.

Office space has been identified at Alliance Française, in Portland with potential for renovation to serve as a safe hub and meeting space for stakeholders.

Administrative staffing needs will be discussed as part of the broader executive structure. The forum will also be formally registered ahead of a planned launch at the end of February.

Elected chairperson, Abie Isaacs, also chairperson of the Cape Flats Safety Forum said the work is rooted in community leadership, accountability and collaboration, with the ultimate goal of creating safe spaces where children and families in Mitchell’s Plain can thrive.

Ms Marais said this community-centred approach aligns with their provincial strategic plan and brings the vision of their safety plan to life.

"It unites all government departments in a coordinated effort to support communities, address the root causes of crime, and build safer, more resilient neighbourhoods.”