Safety and Security in the Stellenbosch CBD
April 2024
The safety and security concerns in the Stellenbosch CBD have escalated to a critical level, posing significant challenges to the well-being of our community and the prosperity of our town’s economy. The proliferation of vagrancy, youth gangs engaging in bicycle theft and petty crime, frequent car break-ins, and a surge in tourism crimes are alarming trends that demand immediate attention.
The Short-Term Solution
Recognising the immediate need for action, the Siti Steering Committee has launched the Siti Middedorp Safety Initiative, an interim solution to address the most pressing crime concerns in central Stellenbosch.
Through collective funding, the initiative aims to deploy an expanded team of guards for foot patrols in the enlarged CBD area, supplemented by a dedicated armed response vehicle, backed -up by 24/7 control room monitoring. These patrols will be supported by an integrated communication system linking to SAPS, Municipal Law Enforcement, and private security stakeholders in the area.
The existing Middedorp Safety Initiative, covering Church Street and sections of Plein and Ryneveld Streets since 2019, will be absorbed into the new extended Siti Middedorp Safety Initiative.
Phase 1 of the proposed geographic area spans from the bottom of Plein Street, and a section of Ryneveld Street in the North to Dorp Street in the South, and from Drostdy Street in the East to Mill Street and Checkers in the West.
Siti Middedorp Safety Initiative Features and Cost
Key features of this safety program include comprehensive oversight led by experienced coordinators, integration with existing security networks, round-the-clock armed response capabilities, and centralised radio communication for rapid reporting and response.
| Monthly Expenses | |
| 24/7 Control Room Monitoring | R 35 716 |
| 1 x 24/7 Dedicated Armed Response Vehicle | R 77 107 |
| 3 x 24/7 Foot Patrol Guards | R 75 000 |
| Additional 3rd Party Armed Response Support | R 25 000 |
| R 212 823 |
Siti Middedorp Safety Initiative Funding Model
Half of the required R212 823 per month is already committed to and thanks to the generosity of Stellenbosch Publicity and Marketing the armed response vehicle was deployed in early December 2023. To deliver on the rest of the safety deliverables, we need help through collective funding from Property and Business owners.
Property Owners | Contribute according to Municipal Property Value – an amount equal to future Siti contributions
Business Owners | R500 | R750 | R1500 | R4000 – depending on the size of the business.
The Long-Term Solution
Recognising the urgency of the situation, community members have rallied behind the establishment of the Stellenbosch Improvement Initiative (Siti) – a Special Rating Area that will address these pressing issues through collaborative efforts funded by property owners. Similar models have proven successful in communities across South Africa and beyond, with Stellenbosch already benefiting from two well-functioning Special Rating Areas: the Jonkershoek SRA and Techno Park SRA.
With a Steering Committee in place and the formation of a dedicated NGO, we are currently engaged in a crucial voting process. Securing 1000 votes from property owners by 30 September 2024 will pave the way for the commencement of Siti operations on 1 July 2025.
For more information, visit the Siti website: https://www.siti.org.za/
Watch Video: https://www.facebook.com/SitiStellenbsch/videos/1089959222059141/