YCPD hosts team-building workshop with SAPS and community stakeholders
Community leaders and youth teamed up in Johannesburg to promote collaboration and leadership in crime prevention.
A youth-led team-building event focusing on crime prevention and leadership was held at the Recreational Multi-Purpose Centre in Paterson Park on July 16.
Organised by the Johannesburg Youth Crime Prevention Desk (YCPD), the event brought together young leaders and key community stakeholders in a show of unity and collaboration.
The gathering aimed to build stronger relationships between youth and various community partners, including law enforcement, social development, and civil society organisations. Participants took part in a full-day programme focused on leadership reflection, teamwork and open communication.
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The day featured interactive ice-breakers, creative activities and facilitated discussions designed to promote a deeper understanding of leadership in the context of community safety. A variety of presentations and workshops encouraged dialogue and reflection on the challenges facing youth and the importance of collaboration in addressing them.
The programme also highlighted the value of a multidisciplinary approach, with participants recognising the shared responsibility of creating safer communities. Emphasis was placed on accountability, support, and empowering young people to take an active role in crime prevention efforts.
The event was described as a milestone for the YCPD, marking one of the first youth-led initiatives of its kind within SAPS stations across Johannesburg. It also signalled a growing commitment from local stakeholders to invest in long-term partnerships with the youth.
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CPF Chairperson Sunhil Geness said, “Youth represent the bright future of our nation, and it’s essential to show our commitment by actively supporting their initiatives in community policing. That’s why I enthusiastically backed the youth desk’s team-building event. The positive outcomes from this gathering are promising and signal a hopeful and vibrant future for the Norwood precinct as a whole.
“The participation of Lieutenant Colonel Jacobs from SAPS Norwood, along with representatives from Gauteng Social Development and other stakeholders, highlights a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach that enriches the youth desk’s efforts. Together, we are paving the way for a stronger community.”
YCPD secretary Tamara Grace Barnwell added that the event would be remembered as a significant step forward in the group’s work and a clear example of what’s possible when youth are given a seat at the table.
With collaboration, creativity and leadership at its core, the event left a lasting impression and offered a hopeful glimpse into the future of youth-driven community safety.
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