A security project in Stellenbosch will see to it that 40 high-vetted car guards will be deployed across the central business district (CBD).
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The informal car guard project is an initiative by the Stellenbosch Municipality, the police, several private security companies in the area and the non-profit Winelands Safety Initiative (WSI).
WSI chairman Andre Pelser says the goal is to address the issue of informal parking attendants who harass and exploit visitors. ‘The primary objective is to enhance security and provide a safer environment for residents and visitors in the Stellenbosch CBD.’
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About 40 individuals were screened for criminal records. In addition to assisting motorists with parking, the car guards will monitor their areas for suspicious activities and report incidents to the municipal operation control centre and security firms ABC and AM Security.
To ensure they are visible, each guard will be issued with reflective bibs that bear the logos of WSI, the municipality and Visit Stellenbosch, the official tourism office. The words ‘parking attendant’ will be displayed on the back of each bib, along with a number for the municipal control room.

‘Emphasising community involvement, the majority of the guards are recruited from Kayamandi, with additional participants hailing from the Stellenbosch Shelter and local street communities,’ says Pelser. ‘The attendants’ income will primarily come from motorists and surrounding businesses. To reduce their vulnerability to robberies, WSI is assisting attendants to download bank apps on their cellphones for cashless transactions, an alternative to traditional cash payments.’
Furthermore, the security companies involved in the project will consider potential employment opportunities for those who do well. ‘This innovative project represents a collaborative effort to address security challenges, improve visitor experiences, and empower the Stellenbosch community,’ says Stuart Grobbelaar, Stellenbosch Municipality communications manager. ‘By enhancing the professionalism and effectiveness of informal parking attendants, the initiative aims to create a secure and welcoming environment for all.’
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Picture: Stellenbosch Municipality / Facebook