The safety and security of communities is no longer a matter just for the attention of the police, and this is demonstrated by the increasing participation of citizens in curbing crime.<\/p>\n
The 250-plus delegates who recently attended the Ekurhuleni Community Safety Forum conference in Germiston confirmed this.<\/p>
The aim of the conference was to bring together all stakeholders involved in community safety within the Ekurhuleni region, in order to form a Community Safety Forum (CSF).<\/p>\n
“The purpose of the CSF is to galvanise and bring together all community safety and security stakeholders for a common goal,” said member of the mayoral committee for community safety Mthuthuzeli Siboza.<\/p>
“The common goal is to create conditions that are conducive to bringing harmony and stability to our communities.”<\/p>\n
Siboza explained that a CSF is meant to deal with any safety matters within a community that make people unsafe in their street, home, or place of work.<\/p>\n
The forum is, therefore, responsible for driving and facilitating the Ekurhuleni Community Safety Plan – which was also adopted at the conference.<\/p>\n
This plan is divided into five objectives, which were identified as cross-cutting concerns within neighbourhoods in Ekurhuleni.<\/p>\n
They include the improvement of the physical environment, by-law enforcement and youth crime prevention.<\/p>\n
The last two highlight ensuring reduction of priority crimes and establishing a social and community development centre.<\/p>\n
The CSF broader coordinating committee which comprises 10 members, six of who are community representatives, will be required to submit quarterly progress reports on the implementation of the five objectives.<\/p>\n
Stakeholders involved in the Ekurhuleni CSF include the relevant structures of the SAPS, the departments of justice and constitutional development, defence, co-operative governance and traditional affairs, home affairs, social development and education.<\/p>\n
Independent security companies and agencies, religious forums, business associations, ward structures and other civic organisations are also contributors.<\/p>\n
For more information, residents can call the community safety MMC’s office on 0II 999-3282\/5600.<\/p>\n