Stellenbosch Improvement and Transformation Initiative (SITI) Officially Launches

The Stellenbosch Improvement and Transformation Initiative (SITI), a newly approved Special Rating Area (SRA), officially launches today, 1 July 2025. The application for the establishment of SITI SRA was approved by Stellenbosch Municipality Council on 26 February 2025, and the full application report and minutes are available on our website at www.siti.org.za.

 We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported this initiative, aiming to make Stellenbosch Middedorp Safe, Clean, and Green. A special acknowledgment goes to our dedicated volunteers who mobilised residents throughout the voting process, as well as the many community organisations and local businesses whose support has been overwhelming. We also express our gratitude to volunteers involved in the previous Stellenbosch Central SRA attempt in 2016, whose groundwork contributed significantly to this successful initiative.

“The launch of SITI marks a significant milestone for Stellenbosch. This initiative is about more than just safety and cleanliness – it's about restoring pride in our shared spaces and building a community where everyone feels seen, supported, and safe. I’d like to thank every resident, business owner, and volunteer who believed in this vision and helped make it a reality.”-  Daniël Lutz, Chairperson of the SITI Board.

Since Council approval, the interim Board of Directors has formally registered SITI as a Non-Profit Company (NPC) and successfully completed an RFQ process to appoint necessary service providers. The team has also actively engaged with other City Improvement Districts (CIDs) and will continue consultations with local community organisations and safety structures.

Immediate Safety Measures: 

Public safety is our number one priority. In collaboration with the Municipality’s Traffic and Law Enforcement departments, we have deployed a dedicated 24/7 Law Enforcement Peace Officer with arrest powers, whose primary role is enforcing municipal by-laws alongside existing municipal law enforcement resources. Cooperation with the Stellenbosch Community Police Forum and other local stakeholders is essential in our strategy to address crime.

 Visible policing will significantly enhance community safety. Effective immediately, two private security vehicles staffed with two officers each will patrol the SITI area around the clock. Additionally, two Law Enforcement vehicles, each staffed by one municipal law enforcement officer and one private security officer, will be active during peak risk periods, bringing total on-duty officers to eight at these times.

 We will share a control room with the Jonkershoek Special Rating Area (JSRA), deploying four officers across the combined areas. Future plans include integration with existing municipal CCTV and Licence Plate Recognition (LPR) systems to enhance safety and surveillance capabilities.

Urban Management and Environmental Initiatives: 

SITI is committed to ensuring clean, attractive public spaces through improved infrastructure, effective maintenance, clear wayfinding signage, and sustainable urban practices.

Social Development:

Our social development initiatives will focus on addressing homelessness, poverty alleviation, and promoting youth employment through sustainable, collaborative programmes.

Public Engagement and Member Registration: 

A date for SITI’s first public meeting and member registration will be announced soon. Property owners can register as voting members at this event or via email. Additional details will be shared in the coming weeks.

 For more information, please visit www.siti.org.za.

Media enquiries:
Email: info@siti.org.za
Facebook: facebook.com/SitiStellenbsch
Instagram: instagram.com/siti.stellenbosch