State of Urban Safety in SA Report revealed at Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality

State of Urban Safety in South Africa Report launched on 11 April at the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality in Braamfontein, noted that violent crimes are a major problem in metros, larger cities and towns.

The South African Cities Network researcher for inclusion and well-being, Siphelele Ngobese said, “The report was aimed to be a credible resource for all decision-makers and practitioners involved in different aspects of making cities safer which includes political leaders, officials across city sector departments and the three spheres of government.”

She explained that the report was prepared by the Urban Safety Reference Group – a reference group convened by the network in partnership with the Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit’s Inclusive Violence and Crime Prevention programme.

Chief executive officer of the network, Sithole Mbanga stated that the cities remained the largest contributors to the gross domestic product (GDP) and are synonymous with economic opportunity. “However, cities are where crime and violence are most concentrated. This reality, compared with a highly constrained fiscal situation, forms the basis of Urban Safety Reference Group’s call for more spatially-targeted and evidence-based approaches to preventing crime and violence in our cities and urban areas.”

Speaking at the launch, the deputy minister for the National Department of the Cooperative Governance Andries Nel mentioned that the pervasive fear of violence and crime is one of the greatest barriers to urban residents, especially women and girls, being able to take full advantage of the economic, social and cultural opportunities offered by cities. “Urban safety, particularly safety in our city centres and public spaces is an essential ingredient for creating inclusive, livable, resilient and prosperous cities,” Nel said.

Ngobese explained that the report offers an analytical update on the state of crime, violence and safety in the country’s nine largest cities. It presents crime data at a city-level and dis-aggregates the data to show changes over time. “This is an incremental view on safety, crime and violence at the City level. It also offers evidence base for approaches needed to address the social, economic, spatial drivers of violence and crime.”

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https://northeasterntribune.co.za/218773/joburg-improves-shift-system-for-jmpd-and-insourced-security-personnel-to-boost-safety-levels/