The eThekwini Municipality has adopted a new set of measurable targets for the 2026/27 financial year aimed at strengthening coordination, improving accountability, and accelerating crime prevention and safety services across the city.
The targets form part of a structured roadmap endorsed during a Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster strategic session held recently at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The roadmap outlines clear priorities, timelines and performance indicators designed to enhance service delivery across key workstreams, including crime prevention, law enforcement, case management, disaster resilience and the management of community protests.
The Presidential eThekwini Working Group (PeWG), comprising municipal departments, law enforcement agencies, and other government institutions, used the session to assess current performance and identify critical gaps requiring urgent intervention.
Lieutenant-Colonel Phiwayinkosi Ngcobo, a senior officer at the Durban Metro Police Unit, reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to its collaboration agreement with the South African Police Service, signed in Inanda, north of Durban, with various law enforcement stakeholders.
Ngcobo was speaking on behalf of the Metro Police Commissioner, Sibonelo Mchunu, at the strategic session.
“The PeWG Workstream 3 deliverables are currently ahead of schedule, in line with agreed action items,” Ngcobo said, adding that the city is benefiting from significant infrastructure investments.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has recently highlighted eThekwini as a leading municipality, encouraging other municipalities to benchmark against its progress and initiatives.
Progress was highlighted in several areas, including increased law enforcement visibility, improved case tracking, enhanced disaster preparedness, and more coordinated responses to community protests.
Representing the Municipal Safer Cities Directorate, acting senior manager Pumla Jingxi said the city will continue supporting initiatives aimed at improving safety and service delivery.
“We will continue to support government initiatives aimed at safeguarding communities, strengthening intergovernmental relations, accelerating service delivery, and providing adequate shelter solutions for the homeless,” Jingxi said.
A key outcome of the session was the formal adoption of the JCPS Cluster Terms of Reference, establishing clear governance framework to define roles and responsibilities, reduce duplication, strengthen oversight and improve decision-making.
The meeting also prioritised outstanding District Development Model JCPS matters, including resolutions from political and technical hubs, as well as Cabinet Day engagements under the One Stop Shop programme.
With these frameworks in place, the municipality will now focus on implementation, ongoing monitoring and regular reporting against the newly adopted targets.
Officials said the overall objective is to build safer, more resilient communities through a more integrated, coordinated and responsive JCPS system. – SAnews.gov.za
