Always in the forefront and reputation at stake, it takes one to point the finger at the Police when things go out of hand.
But the vivacious MEC for Community Safety in Gauteng Faith “Siyashesha” Mazibuko is adamant that things will improve in the next five years although some may agree the same song keeps repeating itself.
With the rate of crime having declined (no stats provided) in Gauteng, and systems in place to fight the scourge of corruption one may agree with the MEC that the situation is on the mend.
She was addressing a media brief last night at the eMoyeni Restaurant in Parktown, were Gauteng’s top cops came in large numbers to launch Safety Month plans for the year.
“Yes, we know we’re at the firing-line but at the same time we putting brave face to deal with what comes our way in one of the biggest cities in the world,” she says.
Launch of street committees –made famous during apartheid era- monitoring of domestic violence, localisation of safe houses and sniffing out corruption are some of our Department’s key objectives, says the Mazibuko.
The implementation of 52 Green Doors throughout the Province would help abused mothers/females who seek counseling and accommodation for a period of four-hours.
This thing of dropping abuse case charges will be a thing of the past as soon as the new law comes into effect, pointed out the MEC.
As part 2013 report back the MEC re-launched Take Charge campaign in Tshwane to conscientious Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Intersexual because in most cases they face the risk from the public.
And the introduction of Bikers Association has also helped in obeying and adhering to road safety measures, particularly to young bikers.
Rooting out practices on offences such as driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; intensifying the fight on corruption and public education; strengthening social cohesion by enhancing community safety such as street committees; integration of state and non state capacity and professionalizing department oversight processes are some of key priorities identified by the Department.
Community Safety expanded its mandate by including Gauteng Traffic Police as a component of the department.
Yes, we cannot deal with contentious issues over night but at the same token let us engage and identify loopholes in our systems because I cannot do this alone. Policing is a community effort, emphasized the MEC.
