Frequently Asked Questions

Is BIF a Neighbourhood Watch?
No. BIF is a Resident Forum, which is a different kind of organisation with a different legal footing.

Do you provide armed response?
No. We do not send an armed-response vehicle to emergencies. BIF is neighbours assisting neighbours,
working alongside SAPS and other role players rather than acting as a security company.

Will BIF patrol in front of my house?
BIF patrols are organised by area and carried out by volunteers from within those communities.
Patrols are intended to provide broad coverage across neighbourhoods rather than pass specific homes on fixed routes.
If you would like to see more patrol activity in your area, consider getting involved yourself or encouraging others in your neighbourhood
to do the same. BIF is built on residents taking responsibility for their own communities and leading by example.

Will BIF look after my house while I’m on leave?
Not directly. That kind of support is something we hope comes from having good relationships with your neighbours, rather than from BIF as an organisation.

Who can access the camera footage?
Access is restricted, not open to all members. The system focuses on
number-plate recognition rather than general monitoring, and is linked to the National E2 Initiative.
E2 serves as a platform to combine the private sector’s cameras and SAPS so that crime can be fought effectively.

How much does membership cost, and what does it pay for?
R100 per household per month. This has never changed since BIF was founded in 2019. The fee covers infrastructure, equipment, maintenance and insurance — never salaries, since everyone involved volunteers their time.

What is MAFPA, and why am I automatically a member?
MAFPA is the local Fire Protection Association — the legally recognised structure through which rural landowners and residents coordinate veld fire prevention, preparedness and response. Membership of a fire protection organisation is a legal requirement for rural landowners, so BIF membership includes automatic, compulsory MAFPA membership.