Yesterday, I was pleased to join the Minister of Police, Mr Bheki Cele, Executive Mayor Ekurhuleni Mr Mzwandile Masina, the new of head of the Hawks, Advocate Godfrey Lebeya, National Commissioner of Police, General Khehla Sithole and the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Deliwe de Lange, at the launch of Operation Buya Mthetho for the entire Gauteng region.
Earlier this year, the City of Johannesburg launched Operation Buya Mthetho as a campaign to restore the rule of law in our city and ensure we create safe communities for our residents.
I couldn’t be more pleased to see this campaign adopted by provincial government, and hopefully soon, national government as well.
In the City of Johannesburg, as part of Operation Buya Mthetho, the JMPD have conducted weekly operations in each of the City’s regions alongside other City departments and entities in order to address illegal waste management, illegal advertising, illegal street trading, illegal water and power connections, conduct compliance operations at liquor outlets and running road safety operations.
Operation Buya Mthetho has proven pivotal in fighting against crime in the City.
Over 8000 arrests have been made by our law enforcement officials since January. This is the kind of momentum the City needs to sustain if we are indeed to fight against crime and lawlessness.
I am also delighted by Minister Cele’s commitment to partner with the City in the fight against crime, particularly, as part of our efforts to revitalise the Johannesburg inner city.
The revitalisation of the inner city is an intervention through which we hope to not only create affordable housing for residents but also generate jobs for residents.
Last month Council approved the release of an additional 71 properties for mixed-use development. This is on top of the 13 properties released last year.
By attracting investment from property developers and, in turn, turning our Inner City into a construction site, we will create jobs during as well as post-construction.
As government we are tasked with creating a conducive environment for economic growth and investment in our country. This in turn will help to stimulate real job creation.
This cannot be achieved in an environment in which criminals act without fear. The commitment made by the Minister is thus an exciting step forward for the residents of Johannesburg.
Restoring the rule of law in Johannesburg requires us to all join hands and say enough. I look forward to working with the Minister and our provincial police in order to keep our residents safe.
Cllr Herman Mashaba
Executive Mayor
City of Joburg
For further information, please contact:
Luyanda Mfeka
Director: Mayoral Communications
Office of the Executive Mayor
City of Johannesburg
Tel: 011 407 6727
Cellular: 076 171 5978
Email: luyandam@joburg.org.za
