Keeping Somerset West Safe, Clean and Welcoming
In the last year, there’s been a tangible shift in the feeling you get when walking through the hub of Somerset West. So what’s changed? Behind the scenes, the Somerset West City Improvement District (SWCID) has been putting in the work to keep our village safe, clean, and vibrant.
Established in 2015, the SWCID works closely with the City of Cape Town, SAPS, private security, and community stakeholders to supplement municipal services. Their mission? To counter urban degeneration, protect property, maintain public spaces, and ensure Somerset West remains the home where we all love to live, work, and gather.
What Happened This Year
From July 2024 to June 2025, SWCID has been busy:
Public Safety: Over 26,000 public safety incidents were logged and addressed. From loiterers and illegal car guards to suspicious vehicles, patrollers were on the streets as extra eyes and ears for local law enforcement. Brightly uniformed Secure Rite officers walked the CBD, and patrol vehicles were visible day and night, providing reassurance to residents and visitors.
Cleansing and Urban Maintenance: Thousands of bags of litter were collected, illegal dumping removed, graffiti cleared, and drains and pavements maintained. The team even trained and employed previously homeless individuals as part of their cleaning initiatives – a small step with a big impact.
Infrastructure Upkeep: SWCID coordinated repairs and improvements on roads, sidewalks, streetlights, and signage. Even small defects like missing drain covers or damaged bollards were identified and addressed quickly in collaboration with the City of Cape Town.
Community Collaboration: The district continued to strengthen partnerships with SAPS, local law enforcement, property owners, and the Village Collective, supporting initiatives that promote local business, culture, and safety.
Impact by Numbers
11,842 loitering incidents were addressed and cautioned
2,879 shopping trolleys were recovered/confiscated
17 incidents related to streetlights being out were resolved
344 unlawful car guards addressed
3005 beggars were cautioned and removed
41 illegal dumping incidents were cleared
Public safety officers helped caution 1,748 people sleeping in public spaces, connecting vulnerable residents with appropriate support.
Looking Ahead
SWCID is planning further enhancements to the public safety network, including more CCTV cameras and better collaboration with law enforcement at high-traffic areas like the Public Transport Interchange.
Chairperson Michelle Stander notes:
“Together, we continue to build a safe, clean, and vibrant Somerset West CBD. The dedication of our teams, security partners, cleaning crews, and the support of residents makes all the difference.”
The SWCID is not just about visible patrols or clean streets – it’s about building a community where residents feel safe, supported, and proud of their town.
