KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has underscored the critical role of voluntary community safety structures in combating crime, describing them as essential partners in strengthening local-level prevention efforts.
Ntuli was addressing delegates at the Provincial Community Safety Structures Leadership Training session currently underway at the Mfolozi Casino in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
The two-day programme, held from 18 to 19 March 2026, is hosted by the Office of the Premier in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Community Safety and Liaison.
The gathering has brought together leaders of community safety formations from across the province to strengthen their capacity, coordination, and effectiveness in supporting crime prevention initiatives.
The training also aims to strengthen community policing, enhance rural safety and improve collaboration between communities and law enforcement agencies in crime prevention efforts.
The initiative forms part of ongoing provincial efforts to empower communities to take an active role in safeguarding their environments.
The programme is designed to ensure that community safety structures are not only operational, but are also equipped with the necessary knowledge, discipline, and practical tools needed to serve with distinction and contribute meaningfully to the fight against crime.
In his address the Premier emphasised that community safety structures serve as a critical link between residents and law enforcement agencies, enabling early detection of criminal activity and improving response mechanisms.
“Volunteerism, local knowledge and community trust place these structures at the forefront of preventative policing. Strengthening leadership within these formations is essential to ensuring that they operate efficiently, ethically and in alignment with broader provincial safety strategies,” Ntuli said.
He urged participants to apply the skills and knowledge gained during the training to enhance coordination, improve reporting mechanisms and support law enforcement efforts to maintain safer communities.
The provincial government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and capacitating community safety structures as part of a broader and integrated approach to crime prevention across KwaZulu-Natal.
The first day of the training programme covered key areas including the foundations of community safety leadership, legal framework and leadership management, collaboration, governance and ethical leadership, as well as crime prevention strategies and the development of community leadership action plans. – SAnews.gov.za
