MEC vows to defeat crime
MEC Willies Mchunu encouraged the community to work together to fight crime.
eTHEKWINI Municipality celebrated 20 years of democracy with a community organised event at Brettonwood High School.
The event was headlined by the MEC for Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu. The day's celebrations saw feasting, cultural performances which included a performance by a children's tranditional dance group from Kenneth Gardens, as well as a performance by street trader poet, Makhosi Xama.
Craftwork, cakes, chocolate and second hand clothing were on sale at the flea market which also formed part of the celebration. Among the speakers on the day were Mayor James Nxumalo, Thulani Ndlovu, Sipho Ntuli and Judy Mulqueeny.
In his address, Mchunu reminded those present that he was one of the first black people to relocate to Ward 33. He noted that there were many who appreciated the past 20 years as a time for change. He said there had been a lot of advances in service delivery and in education, yet it could not be said that all was rosy as a lot still needed to be changed. “We need a radical programme to transform the economy practically on the ground in the next five years,” he said.
A highlight of Mchunu’s speech was his focus on the need to fight crime. He said under the leadership of Nelson Mandela a new philosophy of community participation in fighting crime had become a central thrust when community policing forums had been set up. He said in addition to this, people needed to form their own crime prevention associations to take on criminals within the community.
“We attract crime to our community. We cannot expect somebody from somewhere else to come and solve our problem. That is self-defeating. So form community crime prevention associations, ward safety committees or street committees if we want a safe and secure community. We must show there is a better life. We can do it if we work as a community and work together,” he said.
He said government in KZN had introduced certified training programmes to fight crime at FET colleges. Among those who had been trained who came from Ward 33 were Sthembiso Madlala, Jomo Swana, Zweli Mchunu and Thandi Mabaso, members of the Umbilo Community Crime Prevention Association to which the MEC presented a certificate.
He ended by saying: “We will defeat crime in South Africa by working with communities. We are initiating a movement that will become unstoppable”.
