According to member of the mayoral committee for Community Safety, Mthuthuzeli Siboza, a Community Safety Forum (CSF) was formed at the conference, in an effort to reach the common goal of creating conditions that are favourable to bringing harmony and stability in the communities.
Siboza says that the CSF is meant to deal with any safety matters that make people unsafe in their street, home or place of work throughout all the communities.
“The forum is responsible for driving and facilitating the Ekurhuleni Community Safety Plan, which was also adopted at the conference,” says Siboza.
Metro spokesperson, Sam Modiba, says the plan is divided into five objectives, which were identified as cross-cutting concerns within neighbourhoods in Ekurhuleni.
“The objectives include the improvement of the physical environment, bylaw enforcement and youth crime prevention.
“The last two highlight ensuring reduction of priority crimes and establishing a social and community development centre,” says Modiba.
The CSF broader coordinating committee, which comprises of 10 members, six of which are community representatives, will be required to submit quarterly progress reports on the implementation of the five objectives.
Stakeholders involved in the Ekurhuleni CSF, include the relevant structures of the South African Police Services, the departments of Justice and Constitutional Development, Defence, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Home Affairs, Social Development and Education.
“Independent security companies and agencies, religious forums, business associations, ward structures and other civic organisations are also contributors,” says Modiba.
