The engagement formed the final leg of the campaign and provided residents with an opportunity to engage directly with government officials and law enforcement authorities on issues affecting safety and wellbeing in the town. The campaign followed a series of murders that occurred in Willowmore during the festive season, which left the community shaken and prompted a coordinated response from government and its partners.
The Imbizo was attended by representatives from the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality (DBNLM), Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT), South African Police Service (SAPS), Department of Justice and Constitutional Services (DJ&CS), Community Policing Forum (CPF), Department of Education (DOE), Department of Social Development (DSD), Legal Aid South Africa, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC), Department of Health (DoH), Department of Community Services and the Inter-Agency Drug Committee (IADC).
During the session, community members raised several concerns affecting the community, including crime and safety, unresolved criminal cases, housing challenges, drug and substance abuse, support for the elderly and unemployment.
Representatives from the various departments responded to the issues raised and provided information on the services and support available to residents. Matters that could not be resolved during the engagement were recorded and will be followed up by the relevant departments, with feedback to be provided to the community.
The overall message from the campaign was clear: crime and criminals will not be allowed to take control of communities. Government officials emphasised that the fight against crime requires strong partnerships between government, law enforcement, community organisations and residents.
The Safety Campaign served as an important platform to strengthen cooperation between stakeholders and reaffirmed the shared commitment to building safer communities in Willowmore and across the Sarah Baartman District.
