Progress on Ekurhuleni Metro’s Community Safety Forum (CSF) was discussed at a recent evaluation conference at Germiston Council Chambers.
The objective of the conference was to reflect on the past 12 months of progress made since the official launch in July 2013.
To lay a firm foundation for the CSF, there has been an extensive consultative processes since 2012.
Wilfed Kgasago, spokesman of Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department says three regional CSF structures have been established during the past year as well as at least five successful awareness campaigns.
Clr Mthuthuzeli Siboza MMC for Community Safety, says, “Although we are still faced with challenges in respect of financial constraints and clarifying of the difference between CSFs and Community Policing Forums (CPFs) to our communities, great strides have been made since the official launch.”
The CSF became necessary for communities as result of limitations in the Community Police Forums (CPFs), as the people needed to be involved not only in determining police priorities in their area, but also identifying the criminal prevention needs.
Kgasago says future plans for the CSFs include the establishment of ward-based CSFs as well as voting district-based CSFs by mid-2016.
