The Eastern Cape Department of Community Safety hosted an MEC Community Safety Imbizo at Emdeni-Ngqayi in the Joe Gqabi District as part of Provincial Safety Month. The event brought together major stakeholders, including SAPS, various government departments, municipalities, traditional leaders, the JCPS Cluster, CPF structures, religious leaders, the South African Liquor Board, and local committees.
The Imbizo focused on engaging communities about safety challenges, strengthening stakeholder collaboration, and outlining government crime-fighting interventions. Elundini Municipality Acting Mayor, Cllr Mthobeli Siphamla, welcomed the initiative, while District Commissioner Major General Vellem highlighted prevalent crimes and stock theft being a priority.
To support local safety structures, MEC Xolile Nqatha brought resources including blankets, torches, bags, two-way radios, backpacks, and sports kits for youth, as well as hats for chiefs and farmers.
MEC Nqatha reaffirmed that community safety is a shared responsibility and committed to following up on concerns raised, urging communities to continue reporting crime. “We cannot win the fight against crime if we remain silent,” he said.
The Imbizo strengthened partnerships and renewed collective commitment to building safer, more resilient communities across the Joe Gqabi District.