Media statement 14 March 2024
Ald Grandi Theunissen
MMC for Community Safety
As the MMC for Community Safety, I was pleased to engage with a large variety of City officials earlier this week during a workshop on the creation of an Integrated By-law Enforcement Committee (IBEC). The purpose of this workshop was to reintroduce the colleagues from various departments to each other and to cement the composition of the committee to ensure stability going forward.
After welcoming the officials and participating in a short team-building exercise, I left the officials to robustly engage on the more substantial task of determining the purpose and objectives of the committee. Further matters for discussion were the most prevalent by-law complaints, existing gaps in by-law enforcement, resident satisfaction with by-law enforcement, the need for by-law review, potential statutory and non-statutory partners in by-law enforcement, required resources, current obstacles and the requirements for the successful prosecution of by-law transgressors.
This whole process is a response to the sad and worrying reality that there is an increasing culture of lawlessness in South Africa and, by extension, Tshwane. Porous borders, poor economic growth, load-shedding and various other factors have led to an increase in crime and by-law infringements. If the City is to build and foster a culture of law and order, we require a transversal, coordinated and integrated approach to by-law enforcement and prosecution.
This workshop, therefore, was a first step in acknowledging the need for a renewed and improved by-law enforcement approach that requires the buy-in and active participation of a variety of City departments. Residents often think that the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) is the sole role player when it comes to by-law enforcement, but the reality is that most by-laws are enforced by various other departments, with a supporting role played by the TMPD. Efficient and effective cooperation is key, and the goal is to facilitate this through the creation of a joint enforcement centre.
I would like to thank the Chief of Police and her facilitating team from the TMPD for their efforts and wish the IBEC success and wisdom in its activities and the further execution of its mandate.
Enquiries: Ald Grandi Theunissen (grandit@tshwane.gov.za)