Safety MEC’s crusade revealed
ALEXANDRA - If the recently appointed MEC for community safety had her way, crime should be a thing of the past as it slows down economic growth, social development and cohesion of the province which also is the national and continental economic hub.
If the newly appointed MEC for Community Safety, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane had her way, crime would be a thing of the past as it slows down economic growth, social development and cohesion in the province.
Born in Diepkloof but bred in Alexandra, Nkosi-Malobane unveiled her departmental plan and strategies for crime reduction and prevention. The plan includes restoring the credibility and training of the police, strengthening community policing structures, establishing an integrity office to deal with corruption, and conducting unannounced visits to stations. Her vision entails restoring police confidence and competency, managing crime perception, rooting out violent community protests, strengthening community policing forums, ending violence against women and children, and rooting out substance abuse which is presumed to be the cause for most social crime.
The self-assured Malobane said all national processes for socioeconomic transformation and development were dependent on the presence of a safe environment for citizens and business, and she would give it her all to contribute to the establishment of this enabling environment.
Malobane draws to this leadership role, experience from her active involvement in youth student movements prior to 1994 and from 15 years’ experience in various mayoral committees of the City of Joburg. She was chairperson of the community safety and education portfolio committees and also the provincial legislature.
Malobane is on a crusade to make the police service in Gauteng work for its masters – the people. “The police system needs cultural change premised on values of quality service, responsiveness, and sense of urgency has to be instilled to enhance the credibility of the department,” she stressed. In addition, she urged all departmental employees to embrace a culture that encouraged them to always think of what they could do to improve service delivery.
She further stressed her belief in transparency as essential for good governance and that corruption should have no place in government. “My view is that corrupt officials should be treated like any criminal,” she said.
With this mammoth task facing her, the MEC still finds time to recharge through spending quality time with her family and by listening to soothing music.
Details: www.gautengsafety.gpg.gov.za
