It is an honour to present the 2026/27 Budget Vote for the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison.

We do so at a time when the safety and security of our people remain central to government’s constitutional mandate. Our commitment is to build a safer, more secure Mpumalanga where communities can live, work, learn and invest without fear of crime.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the June 16, 1976 Youth Uprising. As we honour the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom, we recognise that our generation must confront crime, drugs, gangsterism, gender-based violence, illegal firearms and cybercrime. Through school safety programmes, crime prevention initiatives and road safety campaigns, we remain committed to protecting the future of our young people.

The Provincial School Safety Indaba, convened under the leadership of Premier Mandla Ndlovu, reaffirmed our commitment that schools must remain places of learning and never become crime scenes.

The Department’s work also reflects the vision of the Freedom Charter, which called for peace, security and dignity for all South Africans. Community safety is not simply a policing issue; it is essential for economic growth, investment and social development.

Safe communities attract investment, create jobs and support tourism. We therefore continue strengthening partnerships with SAPS, municipalities, Community Policing Forums, traditional leaders, business and civil society to combat organised crime, including illegal mining, extortion, stock theft, drug trafficking and infrastructure vandalism.

Priorities for 2026/27

Our work during the financial year is built around four strategic priorities:

• Building a capable, ethical and developmental institution.
• Strengthening civilian oversight and community participation in policing.
• Enhancing road safety and traffic law enforcement.
• Protecting government infrastructure and strategic assets.

Crime and policing

Despite increasingly sophisticated criminal syndicates, Mpumalanga has seen encouraging improvements in crime reduction across many police stations.

This progress reflects stronger leadership, improved operational coordination, intelligence-led policing and better cooperation between law enforcement and communities.

We acknowledge the leadership of Acting Provincial Commissioner Major-General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi and the provincial SAPS management for contributing to greater organisational stability.

Our message remains clear:

“Asidlali Siyabopha.”

Crime is declining because government has strengthened its response, and we will continue improving operational capacity and partnerships across the security cluster.

Honouring excellence

We also recognise the bravery of Captain Johan Potgieter and his team for their exceptional professionalism during the Crocodile River recovery operation near Komatipoort. Their courage and dedication exemplify the outstanding service delivered daily by many members of our law enforcement agencies.

Programme 1: Administration

The Department continues strengthening governance, financial management and institutional capacity.

During the past financial year:

• Women now occupy 44% of Senior Management Service positions.
• Employment of persons with disabilities has reached 2.8%.
• Several critical senior management posts were filled.
• An Internal Audit Unit has been established to improve governance and audit outcomes.

Through the Public Employment Programme, the Department created 1,629 temporary employment opportunities, including approximately 1,200 Crime Prevention Wardens and 429 Tourism Safety Monitors. Many wardens have since transitioned into Traffic Wardens and Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Brigades.

To strengthen traffic law enforcement:

• 102 Provincial Inspectors were appointed.
• 105 trainees are currently completing training and will be appointed during this financial year.
• A further 105 young people will enter the Traffic Learnership Programme this year.

The Department also exceeded its projected revenue target by collecting R100 million more than the planned R1.7 billion, demonstrating sound financial management.

Programme 2: Provincial Civilian Secretariat for Police Service

Community participation remains essential in fighting crime.

During 2025/26 the Department:

• Conducted three public participation programmes (Izimbizo).
• Hosted 45 crime awareness campaigns.
• Implemented four integrated crime prevention initiatives.
• Monitored all 90 police stations for compliance and service delivery.

This oversight will continue during 2026/27, together with investigations into service delivery complaints against SAPS.

Fighting Gender-Based Violence and Femicide

The Department supported the national 90-Day Accelerated Programme against GBVF.

During 2025/26:

• 2,765 GBVF cases were registered.
• 238 suspects were arrested.
• 27 life sentences were secured.
• 533 offenders received sentences exceeding 20 years.
• 424 offenders received prison terms of 10 years or more.

While these results demonstrate meaningful progress, under-reporting and delayed reporting remain major challenges. Government will continue strengthening prevention programmes and victim support services.

Traditional leaders will also play a greater role through the Traditional Policing Concept to improve crime prevention in rural communities.

Programme 3: Transport Regulation

Road safety remains one of government’s highest priorities.

During the year traffic officers conducted:

• 204 Road Safety Audits.
• 2,308 speed enforcement operations.
• 42 roadside operations.
• 16 pedestrian safety campaigns.
• 32 drinking-and-driving operations.

To strengthen enforcement, the Department will procure a Moving Traffic Violation System capable of detecting speeding, dangerous overtaking and reckless driving.

Once again, the message is clear:

“Asidlali Siyabopha.”

Reckless drivers who endanger lives will face the full force of the law.

Private sector partnerships

The Department continues benefiting from strong private sector support.

Key contributions include:

• A vehicle equipped with a drunk-driver detection (“grabber”) system donated by South African Breweries.
• Nine vehicles donated by Vanguard.
• An SUV donated by Plantcor Mining and Hiring.

Additional support continues from Buscor, MyBoet Transport, Sasol, Old Mutual and ABSA.

Licensing services

The transfer of vehicle registration and licensing services from Dipaleseng and Dr JS Moroka municipalities has been completed through a R46 million investment.

Bushbuckridge will follow during 2027/28.

Driver’s Licence Testing Centres are being upgraded in Carolina, Leandra and Graskop, while new modern facilities are planned for Kanyamazane and Piet Retief through a R16 million investment.

These projects will improve service delivery, reduce travel distances and shorten waiting times.

Programme 4: Security Management

Protecting government facilities remains critical.

The Department currently monitors security compliance at 845 government facilities, an increase from 820 the previous year.

Although upgrading security infrastructure remains constrained by limited funding, government continues improving monitoring systems, access control and security technology to safeguard public assets.

Preparing for the 2026 Local Government Elections

Working with the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, the Department has already begun preparations to ensure peaceful, free and fair Local Government Elections in November 2026.

Security planning also takes into account the matric examination period, ensuring that both voting stations and examination centres remain safe and secure.

Budget allocation

The Department’s total budget for 2026/27 amounts to R2.35 billion, allocated as follows:

• Programme 1: Administration – R226 million
• Programme 2: Provincial Civilian Secretariat for Police Service – R95 million
• Programme 3: Transport Regulation – R965 million
• Programme 4: Security Management – R1.063 billion

Conclusion

This budget represents far more than financial allocations. It reflects government’s commitment to protecting lives, strengthening institutions, securing public infrastructure and building safer communities across Mpumalanga.

Despite ongoing resource constraints, we will continue strengthening partnerships, improving service delivery and ensuring that every rand contributes to creating a safer province.

We thank Premier Mandla Ndlovu, Members of the Executive Council, the Legislature, the Portfolio Committee, SAPS, departmental officials, our partners and, most importantly, the communities of Mpumalanga for their continued commitment to fighting crime.

Together, we will continue building a province where every child can learn without fear, every woman can live free from violence, and every community can enjoy peace, safety and opportunity.

Together, let us build a safer, more secure and prosperous Mpumalanga for all