While families prepare for the excitement of Easter holidays, it is essential to remember that safety, both at home and on the roads, should never be overlooked.
Recognising the importance of this, the Tshwane metro has intensified its safety efforts ahead of the Easter weekend, April 3–6, launching a citywide campaign to ensure a safer holiday for all.
The official launch of the Easter Weekend Safety Campaign took place on March 24 in Olievenhoutbosch.
It marked the beginning of a collaborative effort to enhance law enforcement visibility, improve emergency response, and focus on crime prevention in vulnerable communities.
Tshwane Mayor, Dr Nasiphi Moya, said that the campaign highlights a decisive shift in the metro’s approach to public safety during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
“This morning, we have joined the TMPD for the launch of the city’s Easter Weekend Safety Campaign in Olievenhoutbosch. We want safer roads for our residents during this critical time of the year,” she stated.
Moya explained that Olievenhoutbosch was deliberately chosen as the launch site due to its ongoing challenges with crime, including violent robberies, drug networks, and intimidation.
However, she also highlighted the resilience of the community, underscoring its determination to overcome these issues.
“This is a community that has carried the weight of crime, but it is also a community that refuses to be broken. That is why we are here today. The City of Tshwane is stepping forward, not standing back,” she added.
Moya affirmed that the metro is committed to bringing the full force of law enforcement to high-crime areas.
She warned that increased travel and gatherings during Easter often create opportunities for criminal activity and stressed the importance of proactive measures.
The safety plan focuses on visibility, enforcement, and consequence, with a clear emphasis on proactive policing. As part of this campaign, the city unveiled 24 new TMPD vehicles.
Moya described these vehicles as tools that will enhance patrol capacity and improve response times, stating that a police service without mobility cannot effectively protect communities.
Emergency services will also play a vital role, with teams on the front line responding to accidents and assisting residents in distress throughout the holiday period.
“Co-ordination with the SAPS and other law enforcement partners will also be strengthened, with operations aligned and intelligence-driven to focus on priority areas,” she noted.
The mayor announced a significant shift in the metro’s safety strategy, including the reallocation of over R100-million from watchmen services to bolster the metro police.
“This is a deliberate decision. For too long, public money has been spent on fragmented guarding systems that do not prevent crime and do not deliver real protection,” she explained.
Moya also reaffirmed the city’s opposition to any form of privatisation of the TMPD.
While commending officers who serve with integrity, she also emphasised that misconduct within the force will not be tolerated.
Corrupt officers have already been removed, and those who undermine the badge will face swift and firm consequences.
She stressed the importance of empowering law enforcement officers who uphold their oath, as they are critical to restoring order across Tshwane.
“This administration is not here to manage decline. It is here to restore order. Residents can expect increased patrols, roadblocks, and visible policing throughout the Easter weekend,” added Moya.
She called on communities to work together, emphasising that safety is a shared responsibility.
As the city ramps up efforts on the roads and in communities, residents are being urged to take precautions, particularly as many families travel during the holiday period.
Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity Services Group, reminded residents that unattended homes often become easy targets for criminals during holiday periods.
“Holiday periods are a special time for families, but they can also present opportunities if homes are left unattended. A few simple checks before you leave can go a long way in giving you peace of mind,” Hattingh advised.
She urged residents to avoid sharing travel plans on social media, as this can alert opportunistic criminals that a property is empty.
“Neighbours play an important role in keeping communities safe, and small actions such as collecting post, moving bins or occasionally switching on lights can create the impression that someone is at home. Security is a shared responsibility. When communities stay aware and support one another, everyone benefits,” she said.
She added that additional measures, such as installing outdoor lighting and motion sensors, can also deter intruders, while planning ahead with security providers can help residents respond quickly in case of emergencies.
Hattingh also encouraged residents to remain vigilant, keep valuables out of sight in vehicles and report any suspicious activity to their security provider or local police.
“If you notice anything unusual in your neighbourhood, report it to your security provider or your local SAPS. Looking out for one another strengthens everyone’s safety,” she said.
ALSO READ: No tolerance for corrupt officers during Easter travel period, warns RTMC
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