As 2024 draws to a close, the Salt River Business Improvement District celebrates a year of notable achievements in making our area a cleaner, safer and more vibrant community. And, we share our festive season safety tips for businesses and all those going on holiday this season.
Urban Cleaning Success
This year, our urban cleaning and management efforts have continued to be a priority across our City Improvement District. Thanks to the tireless work of our team, our streets and public spaces remain clean and well maintained. Improved waste management, rapid response to urban defects, and efficient service delivery have all contributed to creating a cleaner environment for residents and businesses.
Crime on the Decline
As was recently reported by uWatch, we’re pleased to report significant reductions in crime across the areas of Woodstock, Salt River, Walmer Estate, University Estate and Observatory. Crime has decreased across all major categories, including contact crimes, sexual offenses, aggravated robbery, property crimes and other offenses, according to the latest stats from Q3, 2024.
Looking Ahead
“Despite a tough economic climate, rising costs and ongoing service delivery challenges, we’ve stayed focused on delivering high-quality services,” says Gene Lohrentz, Managing Director of Geocentric Urban Management. “The achievements in urban cleaning and continual focus on crime prevention in deploying ever more safety officers this year are a testament to this commitment. We’re eager to continue this momentum into 2025.”
Geocentric, a partner in managing CIDs for 15 years, proudly oversees 13 of the 54 City Improvement Districts (CIDs).
The SRBID Board and Geocentric management team are dedicated to innovative and effective approaches to service delivery, ensuring Salt River remains a thriving, inclusive community for all. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in these endeavours. Here’s to a safe, clean and prosperous 2025!
Improving Accessibility and Active Mobility: Open for Comment
The City of Cape Town continues its commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable transport system with two key initiatives: the Draft Universal Access Policy and the Draft Walking and Cycling Strategy. The Universal Access Policy focuses on addressing barriers faced by people with disabilities, the elderly, children, female passengers and others with specific needs, aiming to create transport infrastructure and services that enable independent travel for all.
Complementing this, the Draft Walking and Cycling Strategy repositions walking and cycling as primary, safe and sustainable modes of transport. By shifting from the term “non-motorised transport” to “active mobility,” this strategy emphasises human-powered travel and updates previous plans, such as the 2016 Cycle Strategy. Both initiatives align with the City’s Integrated Development Plan, Comprehensive Integrated Transport Plan, and Climate Change Strategy, highlighting a vision for Cape Town as a people-centric city with equitable access to opportunities.
Public input on these drafts is invited until 13 December 2024 for the Universal Access Policy and 14 December 2024 for the Walking and Cycling Strategy. Comments can be submitted online at www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay, via email at UrbanMobility.CT@capetown.gov.za (references 110242504 and 110242503, respectively), or in writing at local subcouncil offices and libraries.
Stay Safe This Festive Season: Essential Tips for Business Owners in Cape Town
As the festive season approaches, it’s crucial for business owners to be proactive in safeguarding their assets, employees and property. With the influx of visitors to Cape Town and an uptick in crime and fire hazards, the holiday period can present unique risks. Ensuring your business is prepared will help prevent incidents that could disrupt your operations and damage your reputation.
Protect Your Business and Property
Security is paramount during the busy holiday season. Here are key tips to secure your premises:
- Maintain your security systems: Ensure gates, locks, security lights, alarm systems and cameras are in good working order. Regularly test alarm systems and surveillance equipment to prevent malfunction during peak times.
- Install and maintain adequate lighting: Exterior lighting serves both as a deterrent to criminals and essential for the detection of a potential intruder by security. Connecting outdoor lights to timers and motion sensors can also help you save on your power bill.
- Hire professional security: Invest in reputable security services or armed response teams. Being part of a local neighbourhood watch group or staying connected with your area’s WhatsApp groups can help you stay informed about security incidents nearby.
- Fire safety: Regularly check your fire extinguishers and train staff on fire safety procedures. Make sure your fire alarm system is operational and plan regular fire drills. Keep flammable materials stored safely and ensure electrical systems are maintained to reduce the risk of fires.
Retail and Business Operations
The holiday season often brings increased foot traffic to businesses. Here’s how to keep your store safe:
- Panic buttons and surveillance: Position static panic buttons in strategic areas such as cash offices and storerooms. Install and maintain security cameras to eliminate blind spots.
- Observe opening and closing hours: Be especially vigilant during opening and closing hours, as these are prime times for opportunistic crime.
- Cash deposits: Avoid predictability when making cash deposits. Vary the days, times and locations to reduce the risk of criminal activity targeting your business.
- Secure your property: Ensure that all access points are secure, including all security gates, roller shutters, doors, windows, security bars and locks, and do a complete perimeter check that these are in working condition and properly locked when you leave the premises.
Employee and Customer Safety
- Employee verification: Always verify new staff with proper identification, proof of residence and references from previous employers.
- Monitor stock and cash: Regularly check inventory, equipment and cash floats to ensure there is no theft or mismanagement.
- Train staff in emergency procedures: Ensure your staff knows how to act in case of an emergency—whether it’s a robbery, fire or medical situation.
Read more business safety tips
Safety on the Roads
As a business owner, you and your employees may be commuting more often during the holidays. Here are key road safety reminders:
- Vehicle checks: Ensure vehicles are regularly serviced and equipped with essentials such as a spare tyre, jack and emergency warning triangle.
- Be cautious on the roads: Be aware of the higher risk of intoxicated drivers during the festive period. Always keep your phone charged in case of emergencies, and take regular breaks during long drives.
Stay Vigilant
In addition to securing your business, it’s essential to stay vigilant against road crime and ATM theft:
- Prevent road crime: Remain aware of your surroundings, especially when stopped at traffic lights or in unfamiliar areas. Keep valuables out of sight, and lock your doors when driving.
- ATM safety: Only use ATMs in well-lit, secure locations. Be cautious and aware of anyone loitering nearby, and never share your pin with anyone, even if they appear to be an official.
Emergency Contact Details
It’s always a good idea to keep emergency numbers on hand in case of any incidents:
- SAPS (South African Police Service): 10111
- CID Security (Geocentric 24-hour control room): Call 021 565 0900 (for Public Safety Emergencies)
- City of Cape Town Disaster Management: 107
- Metro Police & Traffic: 0860 765 423
- Community WhatsApp Group: Stay connected to the local WhatsApp group for real-time updates on emergencies and security alerts. Send a message to 081 869 8911 to join.
As we close out the year, let’s work together to ensure a safe and secure environment for businesses, employees and customers. Prioritising these safety measures will help you protect your business and create a positive, secure atmosphere for all who visit or work in the city.
Stay vigilant, stay prepared, and here’s to a safe and prosperous festive season!
