It’s time to celebrate excellent Neighbourhood Watches. You can do your bit by nominating the best Neighbourhood Watches or individual members, and you have just over ten days left to do so. The Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says Neighbourhood Watches provide a visible presence and offer a sense of security and peace of mind to many residents in the City.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says, “The awards shine a light on their commitment and hard work.”

It’s time to celebrate excellent Neighbourhood Watches

The City is reminding you that entries for this year’s Neighbourhood Watch (NW) Awards close next Friday on 31 October 2025. Smith says the nominations can be done across several categories. It can be for individual NW members or for teams/organisations. These annual awards celebrate excellence in the sector. Members of the public are encouraged to get their nominations as soon as possible, as time is running out.

“Our Neighbourhood Watches amplify the reach of the Safety and Security Directorate, and this is an opportunity to show our appreciation and gratitude,” said MMC JP Smith.

The categories for individual members include:

Neighbourhood Watch Member of the Year – outstanding achievement in safeguarding members and property.
Organisational Excellence – exceptional Neighbourhood Watch management
Mobiliser of the Year – extraordinary efforts to unite and mobilise the community
Inspiration of the Year – a leader who inspires across multiple Watches
Crime Fighter of the Year – selfless commitment in the fight against crime
Courage in Action – sustained service under challenging safety conditions

There are also 2 newly added categories, Disaster Relief Contributor of the Year and Best Utilisation of Technology Award. These nominations can be submitted via email to nwawards@capetown.org.za, but you must also attach the required body of evidence.

For Neighbourhood Watches

Neighbourhood Watch of the Year – exceptional service in community protection
Situational Crime Prevention Award – efforts to ensure a clean, healthy, and safe environment
Social Responsibility Award – commitment to healing social ills and strengthening unity
Courage in Action Award – continued operations despite serious community safety risks
Disaster Relief Contributor of the Year – outstanding contribution during the City’s Disaster Management Donation Drive
Best Utilisation of Technology Award – innovative and effective use of technology to enhance safety

Final call for Neighbourhood Watch Awards

The City has made nomination forms available in 3 languages. Those sending in a form must attach the evidence to support it. This can include social media or news clippings, affidavits, photographs or other proof points. The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, 31 October 2025.

An awards ceremony is being planned for 22 November

Community members are reminded that they can nominate the same person or Neighbourhood Watch for more than one category. This must be done on a separate form for each nomination to be submitted. At the same time, nominees are reminded that they must be accredited with the Provincial Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety. They can also have formal accreditation applications pending. You can also send your questions about the nomination application process to: nw.awards@capetown.gov.za

FIND: The Nomination Form

An awards ceremony is in the meantime being planned for 22 November 2025. It will be held in the Cape Town Civic Centre.