Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen, has taken a proactive approach in fighting crime across the province. In August, he embarked on a series of intergovernmental municipal engagements (IGMEs) to increase collaboration between different levels of government.
Key Objectives of IGMEs
The IGMEs aim to facilitate discussions and mobilize resources at various levels to ensure the safety of the province’s citizens. The following objectives were identified:
- Discuss the Western Cape Safety Plan (WCSP) to ensure a shared vision
- Unpack the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP)
- Understand the provincial safety budget
- Analyze crime statistics per district
- Integrate and mobilize a wide range of knowledge, capacity, and resources
Successful Meetings in Ceres and George
The first IGME took place in Ceres with the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM), followed by a meeting in George with the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM). Representatives from every local municipality within these districts were present, showcasing the broad-reaching impact of these initiatives.
During these meetings, Minister Allen expressed his gratitude to the municipalities for their constructive and insightful contributions. He also thanked the CWDM Executive Mayor Dr. Elna von Schlicht and GRDM Executive Mayor Memory Booysen for their exemplary leadership in hosting these events.
Goal for the Future
As the IGMEs continue to take place in other districts across the province, with the West Coast being next on the agenda, Allen emphasized the importance of adopting a more aggressive and resolute stance in making the Western Cape the safest province in the country.
The minister acknowledged the many successes that the Western Cape has achieved thus far and expressed confidence that, by working together across different spheres of government, especially at the local level, these interventions will lead to even greater advances in the battle against crime.
Ambitious Targets of WCSP
The Western Cape Safety Plan outlines ambitious targets to halve the murder rate by 2029 and ensure that citizens can lead dignified lives without fear. The desire to live in safer environments aligns with the goals of the province, and the government is committed to achieving them.
The ongoing efforts of Minister Reagen Allen and his team demonstrate the unwavering commitment of the Western Cape government to achieving a safer, more secure future for all its citizens. Through these intergovernmental municipal engagements, the province takes significant strides toward realizing its ambitious goals and creating a lasting positive impact on the lives of its residents.
