KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has commended members of voluntary community safety structures for their dedication and sacrifice in the ongoing effort to build safer communities free from crime.
The Premier was speaking at a recent engagement with crime prevention structures at Riverview Community Hall in Ward 10 under the Greater Kokstad Local Municipality, within the Harry Gwala District Municipality.
Delivering the keynote address on Tuesday, Ntuli commended the spirit of volunteerism demonstrated by community safety members, noting that their role remains critical in supporting law enforcement agencies and strengthening grassroots crime prevention efforts.
“The provincial government applauds your spirit of volunteerism. We urge you to continue working within the prescripts of the law. Your main responsibility is to ensure that our communities are, and feel safe and protected,” the Premier said.
The Premier also urged community members to take a leading role in combating all forms of crime, with particular emphasis on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), as well as the rising incidents of kidnappings in the area.
Ntuli highlighted the need for stronger vigilance, improved reporting of criminal activities, and closer collaboration between communities and law enforcement agencies to curb these crimes effectively.
Ntuli further emphasised the importance of implementing stricter screening and vetting processes within community safety structures to prevent infiltration by criminal elements.
He noted that maintaining integrity within the formations is essential to building public trust and ensuring effective operations.
The Premier reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to the capacitation and professionalisation of community safety structures, including providing training, resources and institutional support to enhance their effectiveness.
Building safer communities through partnership
The engagement forms part of ongoing provincial efforts to strengthen community-based approaches to crime prevention, ensuring that residents play an active role in safeguarding their communities.
Ntuli concluded by reaffirming that sustainable safety can only be achieved through collective responsibility, partnership, and a shared commitment to protecting the well-being of all citizens across KwaZulu-Natal. – SAnews.gov.za
