Who and what is AfriForum?

AfriForum is an Afrikaans civil rights organisation that protects the rights of minority groups at national as well as provincial level, and anyone who can identify with AfriForum’s principles and objectives may join the organisation. AfriForum’s community plan focuses on mobilising communities to thus take control of their own streets and neighbourhoods again. AfriForum ensures that your constitutional and civil rights are recognised and protected at national level.

Wie en wat is AfriForum?

AfriForum is ’n Afrikaanse burgerregteorganisasie wat die regte van minderheidsgroepe op sowel nasionale as provinsiale vlak beskerm, en enigiemand wat met AfriForum se beginsels en doelstellings kan identifiseer, mag by die organisasie aansluit. AfriForum se gemeenskapsplan fokus daarop om gemeenskappe te mobiliseer om só weer beheer terug te neem oor hul eie strate en woonbuurtes. AfriForum verseker dat jou grondwetlike én burgerregte op nasionale vlak erken en beskerm word.

Media statements | Neighborhood Watch Media Statements

Brakpan branch refines safety skills through firearms training

ByAfriForum 05/11/202605/11/2026

AfriForum’s Brakpan branch hosted firearms training at the Rooikraal Shooting Range on the outskirts of Brakpan this past weekend as part of the branch’s ongoing commitment to developing skilled community safety volunteers. The training provided 16 participants with an opportunity to practise their shooting skills in low-visibility conditions. This required heightened concentration, discipline and a thorough understanding of safe firearm handling.

Ongoing training is essential for those who serve as volunteer neighbourhood watch members to develop and maintain their skills. Although no training can fully replicate every possible emergency situation, regular practice helps members become more familiar with their equipment, safety procedures and responsibilities.

“Community safety requires more than just a willingness to get involved – it also requires responsibility, discipline and a commitment to continuous improvement. We want to ensure that our members understand the importance of safe firearm handling and develop their skills responsibly,” says Danie van der Merwe, proto-team leader of AfriForum’s Brakpan branch.

AfriForum’s approach to safety is based on the principle that communities can play an active role in their own safety through organised neighbourhood watches, well-trained volunteers and cooperation with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other relevant safety stakeholders.

“Training opportunities such as this contribute to the development of community safety structures that take their responsibilities seriously and operate within the framework of the law. By continuously developing their skills, volunteers can be better equipped to support their communities in a responsible and coordinated manner,” says Yvonne Gerber, AfriForum’s District Coordinator for the East Rand.

AfriForum’s Brakpan branch remains committed to promoting community safety by providing practical training to active and responsible citizens.