LANGEBERG HOSTS WESTERN CAPE CONSULTATION WORKSHOP

The Langeberg Municipality recently had the honour of hosting a key Consultation Workshop in the Western Cape to discuss the Draft Policy on the Establishment of Community Safety Forums (CSFs).

This workshop was arranged and facilitated by the Civilian Secretariat for Police Services (CSPS) in collaboration with Police Oversight for Community Safety (POCS).

Attendees included a diverse group of stakeholders from the Overberg, West Coast, and Cape Winelands regions, representing a wide range of sectors.

Participants included senior officials from the South African Police Service (SAPS), Members of Mayoral Committees (MMCs), municipal councillors, municipal managers, district and local municipal officials, CSF coordinators, and representatives from various other government departments.

The purpose of the workshop was to engage stakeholders in a meaningful dialogue around the evolving role of CSFs, particularly in the context of a changing social and security landscape.

The draft policy seeks to redefine the relevance and function of CSFs in addressing contemporary safety challenges and fostering proactive, community-driven solutions.

Importantly, this policy is not only relevant to Langeberg but is intended to benefit municipalities across South Africa. By providing a structured framework, it aims to empower CSFs to better anticipate, address, and manage safety concerns within communities.

Such policies play a vital role in fostering a sense of security, reducing crime and accidents, and strengthening social cohesion. They also ensure that community voices are reflected in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) process—laying the groundwork for impactful collaboration between local government and the public.

The event in Langeberg marked the beginning of a national series of workshops, with similar sessions to be held across all nine provinces.

POCS has recognised Langeberg Municipality as a benchmark municipality for its well-structured and consistently active Community Safety Forum. The municipality has contributed meaningfully to the national dialogue on safety and has demonstrated leadership through practical, on-the-ground initiatives that enhance community well-being.

Hosting this workshop is yet another example of Langeberg’s ongoing commitment to shaping inclusive, effective safety strategies that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of its residents.