It’s encouraging to see Margate and Port Shepstone named among the five safest towns in KZN. In my view, this is more than good fortune – it’s the result of stronger community engagement and a slight, but important, rise in employment.
Between Q3 and Q4 of 2024, nationwide gains of 132,000 jobs, with 20,000 fewer unemployed and 93,000 fewer people classified as not economically active.
While South Africa still faces a national unemployment rate of 31.9% from a 41.6 million-strong labour force, this local improvement offers hope – and possibly an explanation for the drop in certain crimes. Murder is down by 10.9% and sexual offences by 2% in KZN.
Sadly, other contact crimes increased: attempted murder (+3.9%), assault GBH (+7.5%), and common assault (+7.1%). The statistics show progress, but also remind us that stability requires effort.
Much credit goes to the community policing forum (CPF), formed through taxi association Santaco, whose dedication has helped restore public confidence and make our streets safer. Locals are rightfully grateful.
But safety isn’t the responsibility of the CPF alone. We need more individuals, families, and businesses reporting suspicious activity and partnering with local security.
Safer towns are built through collective action. Margate and Port Shepstone have shown what’s possible when people care enough to act. Let’s not stop now.
JOUDIE ROBBERTS
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
