A netball tournament in Bellville brought together 10 schools, using sport to promote safety, community engagement and positive alternatives for young people in high-risk areas.
A netball tournament in Bellville brought together 10 schools, using sport to promote safety, community engagement and positive alternatives for young people in high-risk areas.
Organised by the Law Enforcement School Resource Officer (SRO) Unit, the event forms part of broader social crime prevention efforts aimed at addressing anti-social behaviour in schools.
The SRO Unit was initially introduced as an intervention in high-risk school environments, but has since evolved to include programmes that focus on youth development through sport, culture and community engagement.
The latest tournament, held at Bellville Sports Ground, saw 10 teams compete in a mini tournament, with 145 learners participating from schools including Arcadia, Beauvallon, Bonteheuwel, Bulumko, Crystal High, Elswood, Heathfield, Intshukumo, Joe Slovo and Phoenix High.
The initiative was supported by Metro Police, Disaster Risk Management, Western Province Netball and Councillor Mercia Kleinsmith, reflecting a collaborative, whole-of-society approach to community safety.
Hosting the event in Bellville also aimed to broaden learners’ exposure and create new experiences beyond their immediate environments.
The tournament builds on a previous event held in Bishop Lavis in August 2025, demonstrating growing momentum behind sport-led interventions in communities facing social challenges.
City officials say initiatives like these play an important role in creating safer environments by engaging young people in structured, positive activities.
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, said the tournament reflects a broader shift towards collaborative solutions.
“Much of the work in enforcement revolves around removing dangerous criminals from our streets. This netball tournament embodies a whole-of-society mindset and is one example of programmes aimed at diverting young people from risk,” he said.
As similar initiatives continue to expand, organisers say sport remains a powerful tool in building resilience, strengthening communities and creating safer spaces for young people.
