KZN Premier Backs Community Safety Structures, Calls for United Action Against Crime Hotspots

Ntuli highlighted the importance of civic engagement, noting that community safety structures represent the spirit of active citizenship embedded in South Africa’s constitutional framework.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has reaffirmed the critical role of community safety structures in strengthening grassroots security and safeguarding South Africa's democratic gains, urging intensified collaboration to tackle rising crime challenges across the province.

Speaking at Zakheni B Community Hall in the Alfred Duma Local Municipality, Ntuli officially welcomed newly trained members of community safety structures, praising their voluntary service as a vital pillar of community-based crime prevention.

The event coincided with Freedom Day commemorations, marking 32 years since South Africa's first democratic elections—adding symbolic weight to the Premier's call for active citizen participation in protecting communities.

Volunteers Strengthening Democracy at Local Level

Ntuli highlighted the importance of civic engagement, noting that community safety structures represent the spirit of active citizenship embedded in South Africa's constitutional framework.

"Community-based crime prevention structures play a critical role in supporting law enforcement agencies and strengthening grassroots safety interventions," he said.

He commended volunteers for their commitment, emphasising that their work contributes directly to preserving the democratic gains achieved since 1994.

Rising Crime Concerns: Firearms, Drugs and GBVF

The Premier raised alarm over escalating crime trends in parts of the municipality, particularly:

• The spread of unlicensed firearms

• Increasing drug dependency and substance abuse

• Rising cases of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF)

Ntuli urged both residents and community safety members to report illegal weapons to the police, stressing that curbing firearm proliferation is essential to reducing violent crime.

Identified High-Risk Areas

Law enforcement agencies have flagged several hotspots requiring urgent intervention and coordinated action, including:

• Pieters Industrial Estate

• Qinisa

• Zakheni sections A, B, D and E

• Manzabilayo

• St Chads

• Mhlumayo

The Premier emphasised that targeted efforts in these areas will be key to stabilising local safety conditions.

Call for Stronger Collaboration

Ntuli underscored the need for closer cooperation between police and community safety structures to effectively combat crime.

He also acknowledged the broader role of:

• Traditional leaders

• Municipal leadership

• Religious organisations

• Business community

"Addressing crime requires a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach involving all stakeholders," he said.

Government Commitment to Support Community Structures

Reaffirming provincial priorities, Ntuli pledged continued government support to strengthen community safety structures, including improving coordination, capacity, and resources.

The aim, he said, is to ensure these structures are fully equipped to contribute meaningfully to crime prevention and safer communities across KwaZulu-Natal.

Building Safer Communities Through Active Citizenship

As the province grapples with complex crime challenges, the Premier's message was clear: sustainable safety will depend on collective action.

By empowering communities, strengthening partnerships, and focusing on high-risk areas, KwaZulu-Natal aims to build a more secure environment while reinforcing the democratic values that underpin South Africa's society.