Who and what is AfriForum?

AfriForum is an Afrikaans civil rights organisation that protects the rights of minority groups at national as well as provincial level, and anyone who can identify with AfriForum’s principles and objectives may join the organisation. AfriForum’s community plan focuses on mobilising communities to thus take control of their own streets and neighbourhoods again. AfriForum ensures that your constitutional and civil rights are recognised and protected at national level.

Wie en wat is AfriForum?

AfriForum is ’n Afrikaanse burgerregteorganisasie wat die regte van minderheidsgroepe op sowel nasionale as provinsiale vlak beskerm, en enigiemand wat met AfriForum se beginsels en doelstellings kan identifiseer, mag by die organisasie aansluit. AfriForum se gemeenskapsplan fokus daarop om gemeenskappe te mobiliseer om só weer beheer terug te neem oor hul eie strate en woonbuurtes. AfriForum verseker dat jou grondwetlike én burgerregte op nasionale vlak erken en beskerm word.

AFRIFORUM- SUCCESS: OCTOBER 2019

Community Safety

Several neighbourhood watches in the Western Cape participated in a visibility patrol, including the Bellville neighbourhood watch (part of the Cape Town North branch structure), the Kraaifontein S4 neighbourhood watch (part of the Kraaifontein branch structure), the Rondeberg neighbourhood watch (part of the Malmesbury branch structure), the Alfa, Greater Gansbaai, Voëlklip and Fisherhaven neighbourhood watches (all part of the Overstrand branch structure), the Lutzville neighbourhood watch (part of the Vredendal branch structure), as well as the Velddrif, Worcester and Gordons Bay neighbourhood watches (all part of the Helderberg Basin branch structure).
Several farm watches in the Western Cape (Vredendal, Spruitdrif, Kleinrivier, Trawal, Nuwerus, Koekenaap and Lutzville) also participated in the visibility patrol.
All AfriForum neighbourhood watches in the Greater Pretoria district participated in the national mass patrol action.
The AfriForum neighbourhood watches in Bultfontein, Harrismith, Odendaalsrus, Welkom, Winburg, the Sandrivier district and Ventersburg took part in die organisation’s national mass patrol to improve policing visibility.
AfriForum’s East Rand neighbourhood watches, in cooperation with the SAPS and local safety institutions also increased visibility by participating in the national mass patrol. 270 patrollers completed a total of 4 340 km in 120 vehicles.
Neighbourhood watches from AfriForum’s Kempton Park, Brakpan, Edenvale and Springs branches held a visibility patrol in conjunction with the Bakerton CPF and the SAPS.
AfriForum’s Kempton Park neighbourhood watch assisted:
- during riots at the Great North squatter camp, by doing crowd control and directing motorists to alternative routes;
- the SAPS during the arrest of an alleged suspect who was wanted on suspicion of theft and fraud;
- five golf players who were robbed of their cell phones and other items on the golf course;
- during a domestic violence incident;
- an individual whose wallet was stolen, by arresting the alleged suspect and handing him over to the SAPS;
- in recovering a stolen vehicle within two hours;
- in finding two missing boys who ran away from a safe house for children;
- during a car accident;
- during the SAPS’s monthly Operation Mashekane, which aims at fighting crime.

Local Government Affairs

Members of AfriForum’s branches in Cape Town North, Kraaifontein, Overstrand, Stellenbosch and Vredendal attended a workshop in Bellville. The workshop about participation in the revision process of these branches’ respective municipal integrated development plans (IDPs), was presented by Deidré du Preez, AfriForum’s advisor on local government matters. The workshop was specifically aimed at preparing branches for participation in next year’s IDP process and how to formulate and refine commentary on the IDP. Branch management teams will focus on municipal by-laws, municipalities’ spatial development plans and the zoning of various open areas.
AfriForum’s Harrismith and Kroonstad branches respectively received training in integrated development plans (IDPs). Some of the topics included the functioning of municipal budgets as well as what input the community can give regarding a municipality’s budget.

NORTHERN REGION

LIMPOPO

Thabazimbi

The proto team of AfriForum’s farm watch in Thabazimbi received tactical training at Matla Mamba Safaris. The training included skills in hand-to-hand combat, level 1 first aid, legal and risk training and crime scene preservation.
AfriForum gave Project Nehemiah training to all its members in the Matlabas area. Training took place in Tarentaal Pan and was attended by community members from Ellisras, Thabazimbi and the Matlabas area.

Naboomspruit

AfriForum’s Naboomspruit branch assisted in repairing the tar road to Die Oog with the assistance of several role-players and the municipality’s department of roads.

Ellisras

AfriForum’s Ellisras branch proto team received tactical training which included hand-to-hand combat skills, how to stop bleeding and ways to approach a vehicle.

GAUTENG

Vanderbijlpark

The AfriForum branch in Vanderbijlpark filled approximately 2 100 potholes in various streets as part of the organisation’s #YourTown campaign. The project was done in collaboration with community members, nine motorcycle clubs and several businesses, in a effort to make the town’s roads safer for road users.
AfriForum’s Vanderbijlpark neighbourhood watch did patrols to enhance security at the local cemetery and to help people to visit graves of their loved ones in a safe environment. This initiative forms part of the branch’s vision of sustainability in Vanderbijlpark.

Roodepoort

AfriForum’s Roodepoort branch participated in various safety operations and raids during which several arrests were made.

Vereeniging

The AfriForum branch in Vereeniging upgraded safety at Mimi Fourie Court, an old age home, after it had been targeted by criminals recently.

Bronkhorstspruit

AfriForum’s Bronkhorstspruit branch cut the grass and cleaned the park in Cathie Street as part of the organisation’s #YourTown campaign.

Alberton

The Alberton branch of AfriForum found two missing persons in two separate incidents.

Benoni

AfriForum’s Benoni neighbourhood watch held a follow-up mass patrol during which a total of 460 km were successfully completed by 15 patrollers.
The branch did maintenance at the Pauline Davis and Dennis Conradie old age homes as part of AfriForum’s #YourTown campaign.

Brakpan

As part of AfriForum’s #YourTown campaign, the organisation arranged a mass clean-up project at the Tweedy Park old age home.
The branch also donated and planted 100 river bushwillow trees at the local cemetery as part of the organisation’s arbour month project.

Edenvale

As part of AfriForum’s #YourTown campaign, the Edenvale branch cleaned the stream in Eastleigh as well as the surrounding area.
The Edenvale branch also planted trees in support of the organisation’s arbour month project.

Germiston

The AfriForum branch in Germiston planted ten trees at Prestasie Skool in Elspark and the Afrikaanse Hoërskool Germiston as part of the organisation’s arbour month project.

Kempton Park

AfriForum’s Kempton Park branch management had their annual general meeting (AGM) which was attended by 40 people. Management gave feedback on the successes they’ve achieved in 2019.

Springs

AfriForum’s Springs branch planted ten sweet thorn trees at the Hoër Tegniese Skool Springs in support of AfriForum’s annual arbour month project.

East Moot

AfriForum’s East Moot branch cleaned the spruit on the corner of 24th Avenue and Louis Trichardt Street as part of the #YourTown campaign.

Fochville

The AfriForum branch in Fochville had a stand at the Kraalkop Market.

MPUMALANGA

AfriForum’s branches in Mpumalanga gave a helping hand at AfriForum Youth’s Boerspitus in Orania.

White River

AfriForum’s White River neighbourhood watch participated in the national mass patrol and arrested one person during the operation.

Nelspruit

AfriForum’s Nelspruit branch launched a clean-up project in collaboration with We Care 4 Nelspruit. It will continue on a monthly basis.
AfriForum Youth in Nelspruit did maintenance at the Pro Gratia School. Wooden class rooms were treated to protect the structures against wind and bad weather.
The Cairn-Burnside farm watch participated in the national mass patrol.

Bethal

AfriForum’s Bethal branch participated in a community operation which focused on the cleaning of Davel Road.
The branch’s refuse bin project has proved to be sustainable. Thirty refuse bins are serviced in the town centre every week.
The Bethal branch has a water collection point that is available for the community in case of a water supply interruption.
The branch donated 50 of the elephant bush to the residents of the Silwerjare old age home as part of the arbour month project.

Lydenburg

AfriForum’s neighbourhood watch in Lydenburg participated in the national mass patrol.

Middelburg

AfriForum’s Middelburg neighbourhood watch participated in the national mass patrol.

CENTRAL REGION

NORTH WEST

Vryburg

Die AfriForum branch in Vryburg filled potholes on the town’s roads.

Christiana

AfriForum’s Christiana branch put up an AF receiver.

Hertzogville

The AfriForum branch in Hertzogville built a braai for the local old age home.

Delareyville

AfriForum’s Delareyville branch cleaned two of the town’s large parks.

Rustenburg

The AfriForum branch in Rustenburg planted nine pepper-bark trees at several schools in town as part of AfriForum’s arbour month project.
The branch used 4,25 tonnes of tar to repair Rustenburg’s streets. So far this year a total of 16 tonnes of tar was procured to fill potholes and repair streets.

Lichtenburg

As part of AfriForum’s annual arbour month project, its Lichtenburg branch planted 14 trees at several schools in the town.

Mooinooi

The AfriForum branch in Mooinooi planted wild olive trees at Laerskool Elandskraal as part of the annual arbour month project.

Klerksdorp

The Klerksdorp branch of AfriForum helped to clean local parks.
The branch also donated and planted the elephant bush and vegetable seeds at the Laerskool Unie.

Potchefstroom

The AfriForum branch in Potchefstroom filled 43 potholes throughout the town.

Ventersdorp

The AfriForum neighbourhood watch in Ventersdorp participated in a mass patrol with the SAPS.

Stilfontein

The AfriForum neighbourhood watch in Stilfontein achieved the following successes:
- Extinguished a fire on the side of the N12.
- Removed cattle, that posed a threat to motorists, from the side of the N12.
- Participated in a mass patrol.
- Assisted in Orkney during protest action.
- Helped a security company to arrest a robber at the sports grounds.

Wolmaransstad

The AfriForum branch in Wolmaransstad held a clean-up operation.

FREE STATE

Sasolburg

AfriForum’s Sasolburg branch held two clean-up actions at two local schools to improve the safety of learners and to curb drug trade.
The chairman of AfriForum’s Sasolburg neighbourhood watch received drone training.

Heilbron

The AfriForum branch in Heilbron supplied the community with water during a water shortage.

Bethlehem

AfriForum’s Bethlehem branch showed senior citizens how to use pepper spray in self defence during a safety training session. They each received their own pepper spray and were also taught how to use a fire extinguisher.

Kroonstad

The AfriForum branch in Kroonstad organised a clean-up project in the town. The trash in the area created a bad impression and residents decided to start their own cleaning initiative.

As part of AfriForum’s annual arbour month project, the branch planted six trees at different locations in the town. The trees were planted at the Day Care Centre, Edelkroon and the Sasol petrol station.

Welkom

The AfriForum branch in Welkom donated 50 trees to various schools and institutions such as Hoërskool Hennenman, the Ventersburg Reformed Church, Asina old age home, Voluit Primary School, Hoërskool Riebeeckstad, Hoërskool Goudveld, Hoërskool Wessel Maree, Laerskool Naudeville and Welkom Volkskool.

Reitz

AfriForum’s Reitz branch planted four trees at Hoërskool Reitz as part of the organisation’s annual arbour month project.
The branch repaired the water supply at the gate of the town’s community sport grounds. The repairs were necessary because the tap was closed with an unsightly water stopper to discourage water wastage. The wilted garden was the first thing visitors to the sports grounds could see.

Parys

The AfriForum branch in Parys wrote a letter to the municipal manager about the quality of Parys’s drinking water. Residents were warned not to drink the water.

KWAZULU-NATAL

Newcastle

AfriForum’s Newcastle branch participated in the national patrol.
The branch placed the Newcastle Local Municipality on terms as a result of increased property taxes.

Vryheid

AfriForum’s Vryheid branch placed the Abaqulusi Local Municipality on terms over irregular contracts.
As part of the organisation’s arbour month project, the branch planted a number of trees at local schools.
The community safety portfolio of the Vryheid branch had various successes and made several arrests. Proactive patrols were held on a daily basis to ensure the community’s safety. The safety portfolio also participated in the national mass patrol.

Margate

AfriForum’s Margate branch planted numerous trees as part of the organisation’s arbour month project.
The Margate branch participated in the national patrol.

Richards Bay

AfriForum’s Richards Bay branch planted several trees as part of the organisation’s arbour month project.
The branch participated in the national patrol.

Hluhluwe

AfriForum’s Hluhluwe branch attended a safety meeting at the Big Five Hlabisa Local Municipality.
The branch participated in AfriForum’s annual arbour month project by planting trees at the Hluhluwe Private School.
The Hluhluwe branch’s community safety portfolio was involved in several arrests and assisted in recovering four stolen vehicles. They also took part in the national patrol.

Pongola

During October, AfriForum’s Pongola branch planted trees at the Pongola Academy, the local old age home and the community centre.
The branch elected a new branch management.
Die branch placed the municipality on terms for poor electricity supply.
Through proactive patrolling and participation in the national mass patrol action, the Pongola branch contributed to their community’s safety.

Paulpietersburg

AfriForum’s Paulpietersburg branch planted several trees at schools and the local old age home.
The branch repainted the road markings at a dangerous crossing and did proactive patrolling in an effort to safeguard the Paulpietersburg community.

Utrecht

AfriForum’s Utrecht branch placed the eMadlangeni Local Municipality on terms over alleged corruption.
The branch participated in the national mass patrol.
The Utrecht branch also planted several trees in the community during AfriForum’s arbour month project.

SOUTHERN REGION

NORTHERN CAPE

Hopetown

AfriForum’s Hopetown branch wrote a letter to the municipal manager about the appalling condition of the landfill site and the poor service delivery in the town.
The branch financed the transport of fodder to drought-stricken areas.

Prieska

AfriForum’s Prieska branch wrote a letter to the municipal management to discuss some of the town’s issues.

Kimberley

AfriForum’s Kimberley branch participated in the national patrol.

Vaalharts

AfriForum’s Vaalharts branch addressed the municipality’s poor service delivery in a letter to the municipal manager and attended the municipality’s tariffs meeting.
Continuous pressure from the branch contributed to the completion of repairs to road signs on the N18.
The Vaalharts branch also had a meeting with the provincial department of transport and public works.

Williston

AfriForum’s Williston branch made an internal appeal for a PAIA application to gain access to information about the municipal manager’s qualifications.
The branch also held a meeting with the provincial department of transport and public works.

EASTERN CAPE

Aliwal North

AfriForum’s Aliwal North branch attended a meeting about sewage and water problems.

Elliot

AfriForum’s Elliot branch discussed several service delivery problems with the municipal manager and the mayor.

WESTERN CAPE

Helderberg Basin

The youth wing of AfriForum’s Helderbergkom branch purchased four water tanks of 2 200 litre each for Solidarity Helping Hand’s Ons Plek centre in the Strand. The installation of these tanks will enable the centre to store 8 800 litres of rain water. This follows after the Helderbergkom branch also replaced a broken geyser at the centre in August.

Kraaifontein

AfriForum’s Kraaifontein neighbourhood watch, in collaboration with Kraaifontein Sector 4B neighbourhood watch and the SAPS, responded to various incidents and apprehended suspects.

Overstrand

AfriForum’s Project Nehemiah, a proactive strategy against violent crime, is well under way in the Overstrand. The civil rights organisation had a two-day long training session in Hermanus, during which modules such as legal aspects, patrol skills, basic information, area protection and scene handling were discussed. Project Nehemiah’s objectives include building partnerships with key role players and empowering communities to effectively fight crime.
AfriForum’s Fisherhaven and Alfa neighbourhood watches, which form part of the Overstrand branch, held a follow-up patrol in their respective areas to improve visibility. This visibility initiative followed after a successful national patrol.

Stellenbosch

AfriForum’s Stellenbosch branch launched a clean-up project as part of the organisation’s #YourTown campaign. Members of the branch, community members, and the Stellenbosch Local Municipality cleaned the area around the Krom River at the Helshoogte bridge. The municipality supplied the refuse bags and around 25 bags of trash were recovered and afterwards removed by the municipality.
The Stellenbosch branch donated 13 trees to Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch as part of AfriForum’s annual arbour month project.

Worcester

AfriForum’s Worcester neighbourhood watch, working together with the SAPS, community members, various security companies and safety institutions took part in the national patrol to increase visibility in the town. A total of 50 patrollers (excluding personnel from security companies and safety institutions) covered approximately 1 300 km in 25 vehicles. No serious incidents were reported.

Hessequa

The safety structures of AfriForum’s Hessequa branch participated in the mass patrol action and showed that safety in this area is an important priority.
The branch is in the process of beautifying Albertinia’s town entrance as part of AfriForum’s national #YourTown project.

Mossel Bay

As was done during previous operations, the safety structures of AfriForum’s Mossel Bay branch took part in the countrywide mass patrol.
The branch held an information session during which Willie Spies, director of Hurter & Spies which handles AfriForum’s legal matters, was the guest speaker. The theme was “Do we have a future in South Africa?” and the large audience received a message of hope they could share with the community.

Oudtshoorn

AfriForum’s Oudtshoorn branch launched a cleaned-up action for the Grobbelaars River running through the town and also restored the notice board at Oudtshoorn’s entrance. This formed part of the branch’s participation in the organisation’s #YourTown campaign.
Willie Spies, director of Hurter and Spies that handles AfriForum’s legal matters, delivered a message of hope to the community as guest speaker as part of his visit to the Southern Cape. The topic was “Do we have a future in South Africa?”

George

The management of AfriForum’s George branch supplied food and refreshments to the rescue workers and SAPS members who were involved in a search and rescue operation at Voëlklip. A woman and her two children disappeared after their vehicle left the road and plummeted into the sea.
Plans are well underway to improve security at a park in the suburb of Newton which will make it possible for children to play there without fear for their safety. It forms part of AfriForum’s nationwide #YourTown project.