The Western Cape Government and Agri Western Cape engages to improve rural safety
The Western Cape Government held a constructive engagement with Agri Western Cape leadership to explore opportunities to strengthen rural safety through closer collaboration and expanded safety interventions.
Representing approximately 3,500 commercial farmers across the province, Agri Western Cape is a key partner in protecting farming communities, supporting rural livelihoods and safeguarding the agricultural economy.
The Western Cape Government has already established four municipal K9 units and two Rural LEAP units in collaboration with municipalities, while more than 570 Municipal Peace Officers have been trained through our Law Enforcement Support Programme. These interventions form part of our broader efforts to strengthen local law enforcement capacity in rural areas.
Agri Western Cape brings an established network of members with farm watches that are already doing valuable work, supported by functional safety protocols that can be activated during emergencies. By partnering with Agri Western Cape, we aim to strengthen these existing networks, improve coordination, and ensure that information and safety resources can be mobilised more effectively when communities face threats.
Premier Alan Winde said, “The Western Cape’s agricultural economy is a massive economic driver, and we will continue to seek out further collaboration to boost safety in our rural communities. It is vital that we do this, not only to ensure the safety of residents but also to protect food security.”
Minister Anroux Marais said, “Effective rural safety requires a coordinated, community-centred approach that builds on the structures and expertise already in place. Agri Western Cape’s extensive network with established farm watches provides a strong foundation for deeper collaboration. Our focus is on strengthening these networks, improving coordination with law enforcement, and expanding our existing Rural LEAP and Municipal K-9 Units to protect our rural communities.”
Media Enquiries:
Regan Thaw
Media Liaison Officer to the Premier
Cell: 083 627 7246
Email: Regan.Thaw@westerncape.gov.za
Kurt Nefdt
Acting MLO to Minister Anroux Marais
Cell: 0842851975
Email: Kurt.Nefdt@westerncape.gov.za