Today, the Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz, hosted a safety engagement with the Executive Mayors of District Municipalities (DMs) at Houw Hoek Inn, Botrivier. Today’s engagement provided an overview of what safety plans are and of funding spent to date. Feedback was also given on the progress made in implementing safety plans by the DMs and of the Premier’s safety plan announced on 19 September 2019. Please see photos attached.
This safety engagement followed a workshop held at Houw Hoek Inn on 2 August 2019, where the Department determined the DM’s needs to align them with funding and strategy. Amongst those in attendance today were Executive Mayors, Municipal Managers and Mayoral Committee members from each DM and the City of Cape Town, as well as SALGA.
Minister Fritz said, “A Transfer Payment Agreement (TPA) was signed by the Municipalities and the Department, ensuring that R5 million was transferred to the DMs for the 2018/19 year. Additional funds were allocated for three further years, to the tune of R30 million. The TPA requires DMs to submit their safety plans and business plans in support of their safety initiatives. This approach emphasises the establishment of effective safety structures to facilitate the co-ordination of role-players at a local level.”
“We need to re-conceptualise safety so that it includes each government department and each level of government. Through the Premier’s safety plan, we aim to strengthen safety initiatives at the district and local level. This will be achieved through the implementation of rigorous and comprehensive safety plans. My Department aims to have all remaining District safety plans prepared by the end of December,” said Minister Fritz.
Minister Fritz added, “Today’s engagement allowed for shared learning and experiences between the DMS, Department and City of Cape Town. I am pleased that the DMS are excited about the implementation of their safety initiatives. Mention was made by DMs of their appreciation of the support provided by myself and the Department.”
Under the leadership of Minister Fritz, the Department of Community Safety remains committed to using every tool at its disposal to safeguard the Western Cape.