(Debate in the Gauteng Legislature on the Department of Community Safety’s annual report)
More than thirty years after a new democracy was ushered in, Gauteng – the economic heartbeat of South Africa – ought to be a safe and functional province.
Yet the 2024/25 annual report of the Department of Community Safety shows that crime prevention continued its downward trajectory, with critical systems simply not working.
The Portfolio Committee’s findings reveal serious shortcomings: R54,3 million in irregular expenditure, expensive yet unutilised crime-prevention drones, and ongoing uncertainty about the competency, safety and insurance of Gauteng’s controversial crime-wardens, also known as the AmaPanyaza.
This project, recently ruled fruitless and unlawful by the Public Protector (PP), is a costly failed political experiment.
In addition, the understaffed and overworked police force often fails to adhere to basic response times.
Consequently, community safety structures – such as community policing forums and private community security initiatives – are required to fill the gap, but without sustainable funding, training or coordination.
After 31 years, it is clear that a centralised safety and security model does not work for Gauteng.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) insists that crime-prevention powers be devolved to provincial level so that Gauteng can manage its own strategies, law-enforcement priorities and prevention initiatives.
The party, therefore, proposes that the province consider drafting a Gauteng Community Safety Support Bill, thereby establishing a lawful, professional and accountable framework for a provincial safety support service fully integrated with the police and municipal law enforcement.
Gauteng cannot afford another 31 years of decline.
Die tyd vir ’n nuwe veiligheidsmodel is nou.
