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Cape Town has just shattered records for infrastructure investment - and with it, the city is signalling a bold stance on a question that lingers for many locals and visitors alike: Just how safe is Cape Town?
In his 30 July address to City Council, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis announced that Cape Town invested R9.5 billion in infrastructure in the 2024/25 financial year — the most ever spent by a South African metro.
With 92% of the capital budget delivered, it's a rare feat in South Africa’s current municipal landscape.
And at the heart of this record spending? Safety and Security.
Reclaiming the city, street by street
South Africa is often perceived as a risky travel destination, with concerns about violent crime and safety dominating international headlines, despite significant variation in actual risk across regions and cities.
With 99.7% of its R472 million capital budget spent, the City’s Safety and Security Directorate was the year’s top performer, directing funds toward upgraded fire stations, new vehicles, metro police training facilities, and advanced safety tech like CCTV, bodycams and digital systems.
“This performance really speaks to their intent to do whatever it takes to make our city safer and take back our neighbourhoods from criminals,” said Mayor Hill-Lewis.
There has been a strategic push to make security more visible and responsive, with over 700 new municipal police officers - including ward-based officers and specialised teams to protect infrastructure and service delivery workers planned under the upcoming 2025/26 ‘Invested in Hope’ budget.
Broader Crime Trends & Safety Interventions
With the City’s substantial investment in safety and security, the key question remains: has it made Cape Town’s streets any safer? Encouragingly, Western Cape crime statistics for the third quarter of 2024/2025 show a notable decline across several key categories
- Overall murder rate: Dropped 8% in Q3 of 2024/25, though absolute numbers remain high (1,095 vs 1,198 cases year-on-year).
- Significant decreases in murder rates were reported in Gugulethu, Khayelitsha and Nyanga.
- In the Cape Town CBD, the Central City Improvement District (CCID) reported over a 50% drop in robbery, theft, and shoplifting between November and January, thanks to visible patrols by 323 Public Safety Officers complemented by law enforcement operations.
Other notable crime decreases included:
- 12% decrease in attempted murder
- 5% decrease in sexual offences
- 7% decrease in common robbery
- 14% decrease in carjacking
Investing in the basics that make cities safer
While safety tech and boots on the ground are critical, Cape Town’s broader investment strategy reflects an understanding that infrastructure is safety. A reliable water system, working streetlights, unclogged drains and efficient public transport all create an environment where communities can thrive and crime struggles to take root.
Highlights from the infrastructure investment include:
- R4 billion spent by Water & Sanitation, with 95% of budget executed — including pipe replacements, pump station upgrades and future drought-proofing measures.
- R3.5 billion earmarked for road upgrades and congestion relief in the coming years.
- R1 billion set aside for streetlight repair and upgrades — a key deterrent to crime, particularly in vulnerable areas.
- R4.5 billion committed to the MyCiTi South-East Corridor, linking Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain to Wynberg/Claremont.
- R3.4 billion for informal settlement upgrades, and R2 billion for Community Residential Unit (CRU) improvements.
“We are building Cape Town, project by project, into a city of hope,” said Hill-Lewis. “One with a growing economy that is able to absorb many more people into work.”
Cape Town’s record-breaking performance comes at a time when many other South African metros are buckling and eroding public trust. While challenges remain, especially in high-crime neighbourhoods and informal settlements, the trend is clear: Cape Town is not just talking safety; it’s building it.
Safety Tips for Travellers to Cape Town
Cape Town is a vibrant, world-class destination, but like many global cities, it’s not immune to crime. Here are a few practical tips to help you stay safe and street-smart during your next visit.
- Stay alert in busy or crowded areas
Cape Town’s CBD and popular tourist zones (such as Long Street, Greenmarket Square, and transport hubs) can attract pickpockets and opportunistic thieves, especially in crowded conditions. Keep your belongings close, zipped up, and ideally in front of you.
- Don’t display valuables openly
Cell‑phone snatching is a common petty crime, often carried out by quick grab-and-run tactics on sidewalks or near intersections. Avoid walking with your phone out or holding it loosely, particularly in quieter or unfamiliar areas.
- Secure your vehicle and don’t leave items visible
Theft from vehicles is a well-known issue, including in parts of the inner city, mountain hike parking areas, and beachfront spots. Always lock your car and never leave bags, jackets, or chargers in plain sight - even for a quick stop.
- Use trusted transport and plan your routes
Avoid walking alone at night. Use ride-hailing apps like Uber, especially after dark, and plan your route in advance to steer clear of less secure areas.
- Stay aware, not afraid
While Cape Town has its share of challenges, the risk of petty crime is similar to that in many major cities worldwide. Most visits are incident-free, especially when travellers exercise common sense, avoid high-risk areas, and stay informed through local advice or hotel staff.
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