Deputy President Paul Mashatile is expected to officially launch the uMgungundlovu District Municipality's Multi-Stakeholder Anti-Crime Council on Thursday, as government steps up efforts to tackle crime through stronger community partnerships.
The launch, taking place in Caluza, Pietermaritzburg, will see the inauguration of 300 Anti-Crime Councillors who will work alongside government, law enforcement agencies, business, traditional leaders and community structures to strengthen crime prevention across the district.
According to the Presidency, the initiative forms part of the Deputy President's delegated responsibility to support the implementation of the District Development Model (DDM), which aims to improve coordination across the three spheres of government and address challenges including crime, poor service delivery, unemployment and poverty.
The invitation was extended by uMgungundlovu District Mayor, Councillor Mzi Zuma.
The uMgunglovu District comprises the Msunduzi, uMngeni, Mpofana, uMshwati, Impendle, uMkhambathi and Richmond local municipalities.
The Multi-Stakeholder Anti-Crime Council brings together stakeholders from government, the private sector, traditional leadership and local communities in a coordinated effort to combat crime and support law enforcement.
The Presidency described the launch as an important milestone in building a collaborative approach to crime prevention, with the newly appointed Anti-Crime Councillors expected to play a key role in mobilising communities and strengthening partnerships against criminal activity.
"The Deputy President has welcomed this multi-agency approach where all relevant departments, community stakeholders and the business community view crime prevention as a shared responsibility and collective priority, with government departments, traditional leaders, faith communities, families, schools, labour markets, retail establishments and law enforcement authorities working together to confront and ultimately defeat the scourge of crime," the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za
