Tamara Barnwell has emerged as a determined advocate for youth empowerment and community safety.
As secretary of the Youth Crime Prevention Desk (YCPD), coordinated by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Community Police Forum (CPF), Barnwell plays a pivotal role in planning workshops, school talks, and events aimed at preventing crime and fostering safe spaces for youth.

Read more: YCPD hosts team-building workshop with SAPS and community stakeholders

Raised in Orange Grove within a supportive, close-knit family of five, Barnwell attended Linksfield Primary School before excelling at Sacred Heart College. A balance of academics, arts, and sports marked her school years. She earned blue badges in debating, swimming, and athletics, gold badges in art, basketball, and netball, and a full-colours academic blazer. Notably, she ranked in the top 1% across Independent Examinations Board (IEB) schools for dramatic arts in 2021, achieving an exceptional 98%, alongside earning the Mathematics Literacy award for the highest score in her class.

Following her matriculation, Barnwell expanded her commitment to education through volunteering. She joined the Three2Six project, supporting refugee and migrant children with informal education and tutoring. In 2022, she participated in an Erasmus+ mobility project in Poland focused on community reporting, and in 2023, she volunteered with the Youth Studio Project in Romania, teaching English to Ukrainian refugee children. These experiences broadened her worldview and strengthened her belief in creating inclusive, supportive communities.

Barnwell joined the YCPD in April 2024 and, by July, had been elected secretary. In this role, she collaborates closely with SAPS, the CPF, and district leadership to implement impactful programmes addressing issues such as peer pressure, substance abuse, sexual violence, and other criminal risks affecting youth. She emphasises empowering young girls to report abuse and promoting awareness of safe practices, creating environments where children and teenagers feel valued and protected.

Her leadership style is collaborative and empathetic. “I strive to be the best player I can be while learning from those around me,” she said, highlighting the importance of teamwork and listening to diverse perspectives. Barnwell also pursues academic excellence alongside her community work, currently studying a year-long course in Anti-Corruption and Commercial Crime Investigation at the University of South Africa. Her studies equip her to combat injustices and systemic corruption, from community-level issues to leadership accountability.

Looking ahead, Barnwell plans to remain rooted in South Africa, continuing her work in youth crime prevention while exploring further education and professional growth. Among her upcoming initiatives is a Heritage Day celebration, designed to unite communities and honour local culture.

Her journey, from academic excellence to international volunteerism and strategic community leadership, demonstrates the profound impact one committed individual can have in fostering safer, more empowered communities.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!