3 days ago
Municipality hosts safety and security awareness campaign to curb crime
The Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Community Services, Sizwe Buthelezi, brought together the eMalahleni community and various stakeholders for a safety and security awareness campaign at Lynnville Park.
According to Buthelezi, the idea of the event, held on July 9, was inspired by the numerous complaints received in his office from different members of the community complaining about the increase in crime in the City of Coal.
'As the municipality, we have direct contact with the community and stakeholders at different departments, so it is our responsibility to bring the community together with the relevant stakeholders responsible for crime,' Buthelezi said.
Through the gathering, the MMC explained that they aimed to create a positive response to the crime that has plagued eMalahleni, emphasising that they intend to do away with the culture of being more reactive than proactive.
'Instead of reacting to incidents, we are trying to encourage proaction, because crime prevention is key, and it must be primary,' he said.
Buthelezi added that the various stakeholders they had which included representatives from the South African Police Service, law enforcement, traffic, fire department, disaster management, and the portfolio committee of the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, were there to advice the community on how to be proactive and make them knowledgeable on the role they need to play in curbing crime.
The Speaker of Council in eMalahleni, Clr Nombuso Shabangu, was also in attendance, reaffirming her commitment to creating a safer and more just society through collaboration with the community.
Residents responded to the discussions and expressed their disturbing concerns regarding the rate of crime, and they all agreed that they need solutions, and they need them now.
'The level of crime in our city requires more strategic meetings in which we will go from ward to ward, discussing solutions,' said Themba Marabi, a resident of Ward 12.
Buthelezi concluded, saying such campaigns and initiatives are a great starting point toward curbing crime.
'If you want to conquer the world, you start with the first step and continue until you reach your destination,' he said.
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