Community Based Crime Prevention Programme - Nelson Mandela Metro Municipality

The programme was established in response to the high levels of crime, which had, as its underlying cause poverty and unemployment. It's aims are therefore to decrease the levels of crime and improve the quality of life of all who live in the metropolis, through active community participation and skills development. Those targeted include the youth and the unemployed. This local government project has formed partnerships with U Managing Conflict (NGO), the South African Police Service, the Provincial Departments of Welfare, Justice and Correctional Services and the Community Policing Forum.

Innovation

It is the first of its kind in South Africa as it recruits and uses volunteers for sustainable crime prevention. It also provides people with skills and gives them the platform to use those skills. These skills include disaster management, security, fire fighting, self-defence and training as peace officers.

Effectiveness

400 volunteers have been trained & their efforts have resulted in a decrease in crime. Unlicensed weapons and firearms have been retrieved, while many letters of recommendation have been received.

Poverty Impact

About 400 volunteers receive incentives of R400 per month. A new sense of safety is prevalent in the communities where the volunteers are stationed. Volunteers who have received training are better equipped to obtain work because of the skills training that they have received. The psychological benefits to the community, as a whole cannot be quantified.

Sustainability

The limited budget provided by the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality makes sustainability a concern.

Replication

Stumbling blocks includes the lack of funds, political will and community buy-in are factors that may lead to the failure of such projects.  
 

Partnerships:

• UMAC (U Managing Conflict) facilitate interdepartmental co-operation.
• South African Police Service (joint operations during road blocks and other crime related activities)
• Provincial Department of Welfare (man's victim support centres)
• Provincial Department of Correctional Services (helps reintegration of offenders into communities)
• Provincial Department of Justice (fast tracks cases to court)
• Community Policing Forum (liase with community)
• The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (Funding 100%)