By Staff Reporter
Middelburg: On Wednesday, the Municipality, in partnership with various stakeholders, successfully convened a Community Safety Forum at the Municipal Council Chamber. The event aimed to enhance collaboration among community safety stakeholders and to reinforce efforts to ensure a secure environment for all residents.
Opening the forum, Executive Mayor Cllr Mhlonishwa Masilela warmly welcomed participants, emphasizing the collective responsibility in maintaining safety across the municipality’s wards. “I urge every participant in the security sector to fulfill their roles. Ensuring safety is vital for our communities. Let us unite our efforts to foster a safer atmosphere for our residents,” Mayor Masilela declared.
The initiative brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including Ward Councillors, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA), Nkangala District Municipality, Community Development Workers (CDWs), the Department of Community Safety and Liaison, the Department of Justice, the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Social Development, the Community Policing Forum (CPF), Mpumalanga Economic Regulator, civil society representatives, the Department of Health, the Department of Education, traditional leaders (Amakhosi), and traditional healers.
Throughout the forum, stakeholders engaged in fruitful discussions about the root causes of crime in the community. A significant concern raised was the link between crime rates and substance abuse, particularly alcohol and drugs. Participants agreed that it is essential for law enforcement agencies to address issues surrounding the accessibility of alcohol and illicit substances. They proposed a thorough review of liquor license approvals to mitigate associated risks. Furthermore, it was noted that the alarming rise in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is closely tied to alcohol and drug abuse.
Another critical recommendation was the necessity of creating a database for homeless individuals within the community. Stakeholders advocated for greater collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain the nationality of homeless people residing on the streets. This research could help identify how individuals arrived in the country and the underlying reasons for their homelessness.
The successful Community Safety Forum highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts among various stakeholders, illustrating a strong commitment to creating a safer environment for all community members. As discussions concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to implement strategies aimed at addressing safety concerns and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
