In a significant step for community safety and service provision, Sky City, located just south of Alberton, has officially opened a new SAPS satellite office at its community centre. The initiative, enabled through a strategic partnership between Cosmopolitan Projects and the South African Police Service (SAPS), forms part of a broader effort to create a well-serviced and secure community that extends beyond mere housing.
Sky City has expanded rapidly in recent years, with thousands of residents moving into this modern, affordable development. As more families, schools, and businesses establish themselves in the area, the need for visible, accessible policing has become increasingly urgent. The newly launched SAPS satellite office is a direct response to this need, providing law enforcement support exactly where it is most needed.
“As the area continues to grow, I recognised the increasing need for a visible police presence to ensure residents feel secure and supported”, said Donovan Snyman, Marketing Representative at Cosmopolitan Projects. “By working with SAPS, we are proactively addressing safety concerns and fostering trust between the community and law enforcement. This isn’t just about reducing crime; it’s about strengthening the fabric of the community.”
The SAPS satellite office is centrally situated, steps from Royal Schools Sky City and Cosmopolitan Projects’ offices, making it easily accessible to both residents and business owners. Its location is deliberate, chosen specifically to serve high-footfall areas where families, children, and daily commuters gather.
“By placing the SAPS presence near the school and community hub, we’re safeguarding vulnerable groups and deterring potential criminal activity where it’s most likely to occur”, Snyman added.
Beyond bricks: A more profound commitment to security
The partnership between Cosmopolitan Projects and SAPS involved more than just providing a building. It resulted from several high-level discussions with SAPS regional offices, where short- and long-term safety solutions are explored. While this satellite office is a temporary measure, it establishes a foundation for a future full-service police station should the need arise as the development continues to expand.
Cosmopolitan Projects also provided the infrastructure and basic office amenities needed to establish the police satellite office, emphasising their practical approach to building communities that are safe, inclusive, and forward-looking.
Alongside the satellite office, Sky City has previously upgraded safety measures using technology. The development includes solar-powered security cameras with Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), enabling 24-hour surveillance that is eco-friendly and highly effective. These intelligent cameras assist in tracking vehicles entering and
leaving the area, enhancing law enforcement response times and investigations.
“Safety is at the centre of everything we do. Initiatives like the ANPR cameras and police partnerships ensure residents feel safe at home, at school, and in public spaces”, said Snyman.
The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive. Resident Zoe Motaung shared her relief and excitement, “This is great news for our community. Having a SAPS office nearby brings peace of mind. In the past, even simple tasks like certifying documents meant travelling long distances, which was not always possible without transport. I
remember when someone close to me was involved in an accident, and reporting it was a challenge because the nearest station was too far. Now, it feels like our safety is being taken seriously, and that gives us confidence.”
A model for future developments
Cosmopolitan Projects is considering the potential to replicate this model in other developments across the country, after they have thoroughly reviewed the lessons learned and successes from Sky City.
“We’ll consider it again, but we want to ensure we apply all the learnings from this rollout. Every community is different, but safety should always come first”, concluded Snyman. With visible policing, cutting-edge surveillance, and a community-first mindset, Sky City is setting a new standard for what an integrated development in South Africa should be: not just affordable and attractive, but safe and sustainable too.