Mashatile to unveil 300 anti-crime councillors in Pietermaritzburg
The launch will also see the inauguration of 300 anti-crime councillors who are expected to work with government departments, the police, and the private sector.
With the government intensifying efforts to fight crime, Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Thursday officially launch the uMgungundlovu District Municipality’s Multi-Stakeholder Anti-Crime Council in Pietermaritzburg’s Caluza township.
The launch will also see the inauguration of 300 anti-crime councillors who are expected to work with government departments, the South African Police Service, the private sector, traditional leaders and community organisations to strengthen crime prevention initiatives across the district.
According to the Presidency, the initiative forms part of Mashatile’s delegated responsibility to oversee the implementation of the District Development Model (DDM), a government programme aimed at improving coordination between the national, provincial and local spheres of government.
Among others, the model seeks to address key challenges facing communities, including crime, unemployment, poverty and poor service delivery.
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The Multi-Stakeholder Anti-Crime Council, the presidency said, is intended to bring together representatives from government, business, traditional leadership, civil society and local communities under a coordinated structure designed to support law enforcement agencies and improve community-based crime prevention.
The Presidency described the establishment of the council as an important step towards strengthening collaboration in the fight against crime, saying the newly appointed anti-crime councillors would play a critical role in mobilising communities, encouraging public participation and fostering partnerships aimed at improving safety across the district.
In a statement ahead of the launch, the presidency said Mashatile supported a multi-agency approach that recognises crime prevention as a shared responsibility rather than the sole function of law enforcement agencies.
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.
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Government departments, traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, families, schools, the business sector and law enforcement agencies, the presidency said, all have an important role to play in confronting and ultimately defeating crime.
UMgungundlovu District Municipality Mayor Mzi Zuma will be one of the key participants at the launch.
