Knysna Municipality is proud to have hosted the official launch of the Knysna Community Safety Forum, with its second day of deliberations held on Thursday 29 August in Council Chambers. According to Acting Municipal Manager Phaahle Malepeng, this groundbreaking initiative, of which the municipality is also a partner, marks a significant step forward in its ongoing efforts to enhance the safety and security of the Greater Knysna community.
“The establishment of the Knysna Community Safety Forum represents a critical advancement in this regard,” Malepeng said. “Extensive talks were held during this two-day launch to ensure that the forum is well-equipped to address diverse safety concerns throughout our region. This forum is uniquely positioned to facilitate a multi-sectoral governmental approach, which distinguishes it from the existing Knysna Community Police Forum.”
As per the functions outlined by the South African Police Service Act 68 of 1995, the Knysna Community Police Forum (CPF) focuses on building partnerships between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the community to combat crime within specific precincts. “The Knysna Community Safety Forum is designed to serve a broader jurisdiction,” Malepeng explained. “Its scope extends beyond the boundaries of a single police station precinct, enabling it to address a wide range of safety issues affecting all our communities.”
These include addressing safety matters that may fall outside the direct remit of the police. Environmental concerns like clearing crime hotspots, which require coordination among multiple departments, is one such example.
“By adopting a holistic approach, the Knysna Community Safety Forum aims to tackle a wide array of issues, including law enforcement, social cohesion and urban design, all of which are crucial to fostering a safe and secure environment,” he continued. “The forum will act as a vital bridge between community safety challenges and the support provided by the justice, crime prevention and security clusters.”
“This collaborative initiative underscores our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all Knysna residents,” Malepeng concluded. “The forum will serve as a central hub for addressing safety concerns, ensuring that all stakeholders work in concert to achieve the common goal of creating a safer, more secure Knysna. It is poised to make a lasting impact on local community safety.”
The Knysna Community Safety Forum is a joint effort by Knysna Municipality, the Garden Route District Municipality, SAPS, the CPF, local neighbourhood watches, the Department of Social Development, the Department of Community Safety and various other community stakeholders.