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Woodstock Improvement District 2022 roundup & safety tips for the holiday season

December 3, 2022 December 3, 2022

2022 has been a year for celebrating successes for Woodstock Improvement District and tackling new and ongoing challenges. With our new five-year business plan term commencing in July 2022 we renew our commitment to providing top-up services to the City of Cape Town with a special focus on public safety, urban cleaning and management, continuing to lead the charge in the continual improvement of Woodstock as a residential and business area.

As we round up 2022 following our recent AGM held in November, we recap on the year’s work, successes and statistics.

Woodstock Improvement District’s achievements of the last year are a testament to the team’s commitment, experience and increased on-the-ground presence – led by the capable hands of Geocentric, who have been working with city improvement district initiatives since 2001 and responsible for a total of thirteen of Cape Town’s improvement districts from Salt River through to Strand, Tyger Valley and Wynberg.

“The rollercoasting aftermath of Covid lockdowns steadily calmed down in 2022, yet conditions remained difficult as significant increases in the cost of living and the continuous challenges of load-shedding remained at the forefront,” says Gene Lohrentz, director of Geocentric.

“In the face of these new challenges, the WID board and management team have remained steadfast in our commitment to providing high-quality top-up services in Woodstock. Embracing and implementing adaptability into our vision now seems entrenched in our day-to-day operations as well as our strategic thinking.”

2022 Woodstock Improvement District stats

Happy holiday programme helps homeless children

July 19, 2017 February 27, 2018

We have a vision to take care of, and support, children in the Woodstock and Salt River areas who live in shelters, informal settlements or severely underprivileged homes.

There are currently 120 children living on the streets of Cape Town – this is a significant decrease to the estimated 800 in early 2000. While this is a large improvement, the problem is far from over. Paul Hooper of Homestead Project for Street Children says, “Cape Town is still surrounded by chronically deprived communities where children continue to be abused, neglected and exploited.”

There is a need for greater care of the city’s children through collaborative community efforts. We have pioneered a project to address this need, by hosting holiday programmes for children twice a year – in July and December. There is currently one underway at Al Noor Orphanage Centre in Woodstock until 24 July.

The organisations involved in the facilitation of these holiday programmes include our WID team, Woodstock SAPS, City of Cape Town, ACVV and Law Enforcement. The programme includes fun activities such as face painting, colouring in, swimming, and playing outside.

A different meal is served every day, depending on the donations that are brought in on the day. These include hot dogs, cooked meals, soup and sandwiches.

Abigail, our social officer says, “I love that these types of programmes uplift and help children in need. It’s also an opportunity for them to gain some self esteem and self worth through the lessons they learn.”

We rely on community sponsors and donations for this programme to run. We would like to thank Power Flow Exhaust in Salt River for sponsoring R500 towards the holiday programme, and to Al Noor for hosting us and sponsoring food and fruit. More than that, we’d also like to thank Mr Parker for sponsoring juice to the holiday programme and continuing to make an impact in the lives of our children in Woodstock and Salt River.

If you’d like to find out more about this project, donate bread and other ingredients, or make a financial contribution, please email Abigail at WID at abigail@wid.co.za.

Shortcut to robbery – Town Hall Park

June 28, 2017 February 27, 2018

Woodstock residents are being urged to help create a safer environment at the park at the town hall. John Julies, operations manager of the Woodstock Improvement District (WID), says crime has recently escalated in this park next to Woodstock Hall, with five incidents reported since last month.

He says these incidents include two armed robberies in which the victims were robbed at knife point. “Despite these incidents, WID is confident that the park will once again be a safer place and urge all community members to partner with us and authorities.

“Report any suspicious activity to the WID 24/7 control room on 021 462 1205 or email info@wid.co.za. Contact WID if you have been affected by crime in this area,” he says. He says these robberies mostly happen in the early hours of the morning and late afternoons when people are going to and from work using the park as a shortcut.

Julies says there are ongoing security and cleansing operations in recreational areas in the area and WID has also stationed two security officers in the park to be visible until the criminal activities subside. Julies warns residents to not take shortcuts through the park. “Many of them are dressed well and might look harmless, but neat clothing is not a guarantee that they won’t harm you. Be vigilant of everyone who crosses your path,” warns Julies.

Another WID member, Chris Lloyd, says residents must not have their valuables out in plain sight and avoid texting while walking or put on headphones. He says they are working with the police to patrol the area on a daily basis.

One resident, Shae Leigh, says though she has not been a victim herself she has heard about the complaints and is glad the WID is taking action to fight crime. This is the third park in the area that is reportedly unsafe, following People’s Post’s report on two other parks (“Kids spoil dog’s walk”, 20 June).

Woodstock police spokesperson Sergeant Hilton Malila says officers make random visits to the site next to the community park and have noticed there are makeshift structures built on the site. He says they have received reports of alcohol abuse by the people occupying the open space at the park.

“The area is not problematic with criminal incidents, but alcohol abuse is the only thing that is occurring there. “During our scheduled daily operations, the site is visited and people found on the premises are checked out and fingerprinted to verify if they are not wanted. We, however, will keep on monitoring the site to make sure that no criminal activities are taking place.

“We also want to urge the community to report all illegal activities to Woodstock Police Station on 021 442 3117,” Malila says.

Originally published on People’s Post here.