ETHEKWINI is reportedly seeing a significant decline in visible serious crime through its partnership with Ensure Ubuntu which is delivering tangible improvements in safety, cleanliness and social upliftment within the Durban CBD.

In a statement, the municipality said the collaboration is helping to create a safer and more vibrant inner city. Ensure Ubuntu CEO Kyle Connolly attributed the positive results to the organisation’s increased visibility and the deployment of trained street ambassadors supported by structured operational teams at key precincts throughout the CBD.

“There has been a 28% reduction in visible serious crime and a 19% improvement in response times, resulting in lower crime levels in the Durban Central Business District,” said Connolly.

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He added that Ensure Ubuntu’s ground forces have played a crucial role in reducing crime in the inner city. “Over the past year, 101 incidents were responded to and more than 259 arrests were made,” he said.

The City welcomed the progress as it continues efforts to revitalise the CBD by creating a safer and more economically vibrant environment. Ensure Ubuntu works closely with the SAPS, Metro Police and various municipal departments.

“We work hand-in-hand every day, supporting each other through integrated operations, rapid response and shared intelligence to deliver real impact on the ground,” said Connolly.

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Beyond crime prevention, the partnership has also focused on improving urban management. Over the past year, Ensure Ubuntu teams collected approximately 416 tonnes of waste and more than 90 000 refuse bags through daily street-cleaning operations, the clearing of illegal dumping sites and general infrastructure management.

Nkululeko Mkhize of the City’s Economic Development Directorate said the partnership continues to yield positive results in strengthening safety, improving urban management and supporting vulnerable communities in Durban’s inner city.

“This collaborative approach is not only enhancing safety and cleanliness, but is also contributing to economic revitalisation by creating a more attractive and secure environment for investment, trade and small business growth,” said Mkhize.

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