The Western Cape Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Rural Safety held a meeting on June 2, 2023, at Elsenburg, Stellenbosch, to emphasize the importance of partnership and collaboration in ensuring rural safety. Chaired by Dr. Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, and Reagen Allen, Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, the meeting focused on the collaborative efforts between the South African Police Services (SAPS), Western Cape Government (WCG), and community structures in advancing rural safety.
Implementation of Provincial Rural Safety Plan
Dr. Meyer highlighted the implementation of the Provincial Rural Safety Plan, which requires forming alliances with SAPS, neighborhood and farm watches, the private sector, and other contributing structures to create safer rural communities. Minister Reagen Allen expressed his commitment to making the Western Cape safer through the collaboration between the two departments.
Combating Stock Theft
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDOA) has partnered with the Red Meat Producer’s Organisation (RPO) to combat stock theft by purchasing infrared night vision equipment. This collaboration promotes safer rural communities and continued employment opportunities within the red meat industry. Minister Allen also expressed concern over the significant increase of livestock theft in the Cape Winelands, Garden Route, and Central Karoo regions.
Plans for Enhancing Rural Safety
To further enhance rural safety, the IMC plans to establish an additional 200 neighborhood/farm watches and extend Court Watching Briefs to all courts in the Western Cape. The WCDoA has also partnered with the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), RPO, and Philani Training & Development Solution to address water safety concerns and bring healthcare skills to rural areas. These partnerships will improve access to health care services, illness prevention, disease management, and address unique challenges faced by agri-workers.
Reiterating Commitment to Rural Safety
In closing, Dr. Meyer and Minister Allen reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety of rural communities, farmers, farmworkers, and the agricultural economy’s backbone. Their unwavering dedication to partnership and collaboration serves as a testament to the WCG’s efforts to protect agricultural workers and rural communities.
