eThekwini: The city of eThekwini, known for its warm climate, pristine beaches, and rich Zulu heritage, has been facing challenges such as increased crime and dilapidated infrastructure, which have impacted its appeal to tourists and investors.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Cyril Ramaphosa established the eThekwini Working Group (PeWG) in April 2024 to tackle these issues. The PeWG is a collaborative initiative involving various government levels, private sector representatives, and labor, aimed at addressing service delivery, infrastructure, and socio-economic challenges to reposition eThekwini as a hub for investment and tourism.
In response to crime, a key deterrent for tourists and investors, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and city authorities have increased their crime-fighting efforts. Between October 1 and November 15, 2024, over 31,491 law enforcement officers from SAPS and 1,538 metro police officers were deployed to enhance community safety through high-density operations, which continued throughout the festive season.
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, highlighted the positive outcomes of these collaborative efforts. The increased patrols, intelligence collection, and strategic deployment of officers in crime hotspots have contributed to an improved environment for businesses.
The Working Group’s progress report indicates a significant increase in business confidence in 2024, rising from 38.42% in the first quarter to 63.01% in the third quarter. The increase in metro police recruitment and the deployment of new constables have further bolstered law enforcement presence in the city.
Enhanced safety measures, such as 24/7 law enforcement operations and increased foot patrols, have allowed residents to safely enjoy activities like jogging at the beachfront early in the morning. The use of blue light patrols and deployment of motorbikes and bicycles have improved visibility and accessibility in key areas.
The city has also transferred its Closed-Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) to the Metro Police Unit and Fire and Emergency Unit for better management. This move has facilitated quicker response times to criminal activities, with police officers having direct access to camera feeds.
During the operations from October 1 to November 15, 2024, SAPS and metro police officers made 1,500 arrests, detained 150 undocumented individuals, arrested 322 suspects for illegal firearm possession, and recovered 58,949 drugs, showcasing the effectiveness of the ongoing efforts to enhance safety in eThekwini.