Media statement 17 January 2024
Ald Grandi Theunissen
MMC for Community Safety
As the MMC for Community Safety, I wish to applaud the vigilance of the City’s Emergency Services Department (ESD) and their work output during the past festive season.
While many were spending time with their families, our dedicated staff were at their posts working to keep residents and visitors to our Capital City safe. The ESD responded to 324 incidents that were reported between 15 December 2023 and 15 January 2024. This was a decrease of 49 incidents compared to the previous festive period.
In addition to issuing early warnings to enable residents to prepare for adverse weather conditions, the department also issued statements related to the safe celebration of Christmas and especially New Year, informing the public of the regulations surrounding fireworks and crackers.
Despite attempts by the Tshwane Metro Police Department and other local, provincial and national role players to encourage safe travels, most incidents that the ESD had to respond to were vehicle accidents. At least five of these incidents recorded patients with injuries varying from moderate to critical.
The most noteworthy building fire during this period occurred on 30 December 2023 when the ESD responded to a structural fire in Hilda Street, Hatfield. Fortunately, they were able to extinguish the fire and no injuries were reported.
On behalf of the coalition government in Tshwane, I want to extend my most heartfelt gratitude to the ESD for their unwavering commitment to our residents’ safety. I also extend this gratitude to all other role players who provided vital services to our residents during this period. This includes public and private services, but also volunteers who spend their time helping others.
Residents are reminded to phone 107 (toll-free) for ESD services.
Enquiries:
Ald Grandi Theunissen