LIMPOPO – Lerule-Ramakhanya took over from Dickson Masemola after a recent cabinet shuffle by the Premier, Chupu Mathabatha and had to leave her position as Speaker of Legislature.
Lerule-Ramakhanya says her initial reaction was to acknowledge the deployment from ANC leadership as the move was not something she anticipated.
“In politics, you wake up and work as you have been deployed. When another deployment comes, you are happy and move on to where you are needed at that specific time.”
The promotion came with some pressure as Lerule-Ramakhanya says the expectation she knew the community had from the work of law enforcement agencies under her department has to be addressed.
“Going forward, the department needs to make people understand how empowered they are by the law itself. The department needs to enlighten communities on the work we do and how best communities can help the department take care of them. The law enforcement part has to happen but the law is in place to work for them.”
According to the MEC, being classified as an essential services department during the nationwide lockdown, came with its own pressure but the department has strategic plans in place to ensure that the prevention or the spread of the virus is underway.
She told BONUS that the police have been dealing with less crime across the province due to the lockdown.
“We have identified certain areas that are hotspots for non-compliance to lockdown regulations. These areas have been prioritised and are being taken care of. The department will be increasing roadblocks as we have noted they have the best effect in ensuring compliance.”
The department will also be taking the time to visit conjected townships and bigger malls in the province. This is to ensure compliance for informal and formal business, which can either have their permits suspended permanently or temporarily.
“The compliance in business varies from the use of the wrong sanitisers or the selling of non-essential goods.
“The various departments need to complement each other during this time, and after the department responsible for business compliance has done their work, we will institute the decision taken by them.”
She concluded by encouraging people to report non-compliance by calling the SAPS hotline on 10 111.
