As we draw Mandela
Month to a close, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of Tata Nelson Mandela
– a legacy rooted in justice, equality, peace, and active citizenship. July,
marked by Mandela’s birthday on the 18, is a time when South
Africans from all walks of life roll up their sleeves to serve and uplift their
communities. At the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, we embraced this
opportunity to strengthen community relations and advance our mandate of building
safer communities.
In honour of Mandela
Month, the Department hosted a community engagement event with senior citizens
at the Western Corridor in the Westonaria area, in partnership with local
stakeholders. This outreach focused on raising awareness around the abuse of
older persons and promoting safety and access to services. The engagement
provided a valuable platform for dialogue between the community and government
representatives, reinforcing the message that safety is a shared
responsibility.
Officials from
Westonaria Local Municipality and members of the Westonaria SAPS were in
attendance and delivered messages of support. One of our departmental
ambassadors also took the opportunity to educate residents on how and where to
report crime and abuse, particularly cases affecting the elderly. The event
echoed the importance of bringing government services closer to the people,
empowering residents with knowledge and support mechanisms.
As a department, we
continue to champion community-police partnerships, recognising that effective
crime prevention relies on mutual trust and cooperation. Building strong
relationships between the police and community members is essential in our
efforts to create safer, more resilient neighbourhoods.
Further to this, on 26
July 2025, the Department led an awareness campaign in the Lenasia policing
precinct, specifically targeting the Lenasia residential area. This campaign
reinforced our commitment to proactive crime prevention and community mobilisation.
All Mandela Month
initiatives were carried out under the theme: “It is still in our hands to
combat poverty and inequality.” These words are not just a slogan but a call to
sustained action. Let us be reminded that Mandela Day is not just about what we
do in July, it is about what we continue to do every day to uplift our
communities and make Gauteng a safer province for all.
Community members are
encouraged to continue reporting crime, including suspicious activities,
knowing that their identities will be protected. Let us all be safety
ambassadors and play our part in building a province that is safe, inclusive,
and prosperous.
Together, we can make Madiba’s
dream a reality, not just in memory, but in action.