The Oasis Neighbourhood Watch (NW) received City-sponsored equipment during a handover event on Tuesday, 8 July 2025, attended by Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
The City has approved ward allocations of nearly R4,4 million to support accredited NWs in the 2025/26 financial year.
This process is managed by the Safety and Security Directorate through the Neighbourhood Watch Support Programme, now in its 16th year.
Over time, the programme has grown from equipment handovers to include training and skills development opportunities like First Aid, monitoring duties in local CCTV control rooms and access to technology such as the Trusted Partner App.
The App is a digital tool designed to improve communication and coordination between safety role players, enhancing incident reporting and rapid response efforts.
NWs are also integral to the City’s disaster response plans, particularly during severe weather episodes in winter.
On Tuesday, 8 July 2025, Alderman Smith handed over equipment to the Oasis NW in Atlantis.
This included body-worn cameras, traffic control lights, LED vehicle lights and night vision goggles.
The Oasis NW has 27 members – 17 participated in area patrols following the handover.
‘Our ever-evolving support to Neighbourhood Watches is an investment in community safety. Not only have we seen interesting changes in the type of equipment handovers – from bicycles, reflective bibs and torches some years ago – to more advanced tools today that have elevated the capabilities of these organisations. It also shows just how we value the individuals and groups who give up their time to diligently protect and serve their communities. I look forward to another fruitful year with our Neighbourhood Watches and other community safety structures, and I encourage more of our residents to get involved in their local structures,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Swat Honey
Finland: You have two cows. They are more likely than your entire country to commit a crime.
Lava Nibbler
Interview with a pirate:
There was a pirate who had agreed to do an interview with a local tv station. The reporter was very courteous and professional, giving a bit of background as to the pirate\’s business. She then began interviewing him.
\”So Mr. Longbeard, are there any risks to your business? I see you have a peg leg- how did that come about?\”
\”Well, y\’see I were sailing along the coast of South Africa, looking to plunder some locals when as I boarded the small boat from the ship, a great white shark came up and got my leg clean off. \’twas scary yes, but thus is the life of a pirate.\”
\”Wow, that is pretty scary- well, how about your hook? What happened to your hand with that?\”
\”Oh now that\’s quite the tale, y\’see I were fighting a rival pirate, and we had locked swords. We had been fighting for a few hours, and were both terribly fatigued. I had a bit of exhaustion and confusion, and when I went to block one of his sword blows, I met him with me hand instead of me sword. Took it right off, but it shocked him so much I managed to get him back pretty good and have him submit. So the hook hand was given as a replacement.\”
\”Wow. Simply fascinating. Now, what about your eye patch? How did that happen?\”
\”Well, one day, a seagull was flying overhead, and I looked up. It pooped right in me eye.\”
\”… Well wow. I must admit, I wouldn\’t think just seagull poop could damage the eye that badly.\”
\”Oh, I forgot to mention… it were me first day with the hook.\”