Let’s celebrate our freedom by being activists in fight against crime

In April we celebrate the historic occasion in 1994 when South Africa achieved democracy, where all its citizens became free from all forms of discrimination and oppression.

The first democratic elections in South Africa were held on April 27, 1994. It marked the dawn of a new phase of building a South Africa that truly belongs to all who live in it. Progress has been made in many areas, thus ensuring that people live in a free and democratic state. In the past few years we have also seen crime spiralling out of control. This has been attributed to a number of factors, often interrelated. Social, economic and historical factors such as poverty and inequality, family breakdown, proliferation of illegal firearms and the abuse of drugs and alcohol may be cited as contributing factors to the alarming levels of crime.

While these factors may explain escalating levels of crimes, they can never justify crime, particularly the violent nature of these crimes.

During Gauteng Premier David Makhura’s State of the Province Address, the premier said “Dealing decisively with crime is critical to the social fibre of our communities and economy, and intensified efforts by all are needed to bring crime under control.” This is a call for action on ordinary people like me to take action against crime to ensure that Gauteng becomes a safer province for all.

If every one of us can take part in and declare war against crime by doing small things that contribute in reducing crime, the ultimate outlook can be realised. Taking part crime in fighting initiatives like forming and sustaining an anti-crime street committee, refraining from buying stolen goods, blowing the whistle on unlawfulness can go a long way in addressing the scourge of crime in our society

Busi Kheswa, Gauteng Department of Community Safety