The Municipality's Safer Cities Unit will host a National Consultative Conference on community safety under the theme Fighting Crime Through Community Participation.  The Conference will be held on 28 October 2009 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC.  The conference follows a successful launch of the Ward Safety Committees in June.  All spheres of government will play a role in deliberating on the safety of communities at ward level.

Martin Xaba, Head of Safer Cities Unit said, Engaging communities through identifying crime in the area will ensure a safer and more conducive environment for the community to live in. Communities should also work closely with government institutions to ensure that the crime is being dealt with.  

Ward councillors, South African Police Service, Community Policing Forums and NGOs are urged to drive their ward community safety plans to ensure that they curb criminal activities in the area. Sharing information with other municipalities will also help them capacitate in combating crime.

Information sharing on the establishment of ward safety committees, networking, community engagement in safety and crime awareness are the main aims of the conference. A commitment charter will be signed by the parties who are willing to share information and interact on a monthly basis, said Xaba.

The Chairman of the Municipal Health, Safety and Social Service Committee, Councillor Nomvuzo Shabalala, said âthe City is in a bid to share ideas in order to combat the high level of crime. The conference will also seek to motivate and encourage communities to name and shame criminals and identify the causes of crime. Sharing information with members of Safety Forums will help to avert youth from criminal activities, she said.

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