Horizon Secure Centre upgrades bring hope to its residents

On 16 July 2024, Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Jaco Londt, officially reopened the Horizon Secure Care Centre in Cape Town.

This is one of seven secure care centres owned and managed by the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) for youth in conflict with the law and those that pose behavioral challenges. Since 2010, DSD has accommodated over 29 000 children and youth in these centres. Five of these facilities specifically accommodate children in the criminal justice system.

Provincial Minister Londt was joined by various officials, including Western Cape Ministers of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers; Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie; and Finance, Deidre Baartman. Other colleagues from the National Department of Social Development; the head of Northern Cape DSD, Shouneez Wookey; and officials from the Provincial Department of Infrastructure and the Department of Justice were also present.

Guests could walk through Horizon to see the result of the R138 million refurbishment project by the provincial Department of Infrastructure. These upgrades include:

• Refurbished living units
• Five additional classrooms
• A visitation hall
• A multi-purpose hall
• Facilities for vocational skills training such as a computer lab, woodwork workshop, and art room
• Storage rooms
• Administrative additions: a registry, therapist rooms, an admissions area, an improved access control room, and expanded parking facilities.

These upgrades are complimentary to international norms and standards. The design features within the centre are focused on delivery the best support to our youth while being compliant to these standards.

“These upgrades are not just about bricks and mortar, they represent our commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for our youth. By investing in facilities that meet international standards, we are ensuring that every young person at Horizon Secure Care Centre can thrive and build a better future. The comprehensive refurbishment, from new classrooms to state-of-the-art training facilities, reflects our dedication to holistic development and rehabilitation,” said Provincial Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers.

Former Horizon resident, Marruwaan Meyer shared his story about the continued support he received from DSD staff after he left the facility.

“There were many challenges when I got home, but I wasn’t afraid because I wanted to study and not get distracted. Horizon made a change in my life, if it wasn’t for this place I wouldn’t be where I am today. Thank you to the staff members who worked with me every day, thank you to the management for giving us the opportunity to attend various programmes,” said Meyer.

Minister Londt thanked the DSD staff that provide a 24-hour/365-day a year service at Horizon, and the various government departments that work with DSD to ensure effective service delivery at these secure care centres, especially the Provincial Treasury and Department of Infrastructure for their integral role in the refurbishment project.

“DSD needs its partners – in government, the NGO and NPO sector, and the communities – to effectively address social ills and help residents of secure care centres go from vulnerability to resilience. I am hopeful that these upgrades will continue to have a meaningful impact on Horizon’s residents, staff, and visitors. We want to see more residents leave here with renewed hope and a commitment to being positive agents of change in their communities,” said Minister Londt.

Images for media use can be accessed here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1KCo65utrJmNtX_LFhYUwsL6QiKlxbYTk?usp=drive_link