Gauteng Battles High Crime to Retain and Attract Investment

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to curb the soaring crime rates that are driving investors away from South Africa's economic powerhouse. In a candid conversation with City Press after his state of the province address, Lesufi admitted that Gauteng's security challenges had led to the loss of seven significant investors to the comparatively stable Western Cape. Despite this setback, he found comfort in the province's ability to secure R14 billion in investments from alternative sources.

Lesufi pinpointed crime as a primary concern for investors and outlined his administration’s integrated approach to crime prevention. This plan includes pioneering a move towards a cashless economy as a way to mitigate crimes such as ATM bombings, a pervasive issue in the area. "If we eliminate cash, ATM bombings will come to an end," Lesufi asserted, advocating for an increased adoption of cashless transactions.

To beef up the police force's capability to tackle crime, more than 250 vehicles have been handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS), with an additional deployment of over 400 vehicles for visible policing measures. He also announced that starting January 2025, a revamped number plate system will be introduced, aiming to disrupt the usage of vehicles in criminal activities.

Lesufi disclosed that the province is grappling with a variety of crime forms, from hijackings and illegal mining to the alarming rise in kidnappings. In response to this escalation, over 7,000 wardens, referred to as amapanyaza, have been recruited to bolster the fight against crime on the streets.

Nevertheless, the Premier acknowledged that the depth of crime had been initially underrated. This realization led to the implementation of several initiatives, such as an operational interim command center equipped with helicopters and a community-accessible panic button mobile application, all geared towards enhancing security and surveillance of targeted areas.

In addition to the focus on security improvement, Lesufi emphasized the dual benefit of job creation through the recruitment of young men and women into these law enforcement roles. He reassures that plans are in place, with a forthcoming graduation of 2,000 wardens, to ensure that Gauteng remains a desirable and safe investment destination.

The Premier's commitment to both the fight against corruption and crime and the pursuit of economic growth encapsulates the province's multi-faceted approach to tackling its challenges. With Gauteng's considerable contribution to South Africa's GDP, these measures are critical to maintaining investor confidence and fostering a safe, prosperous environment for business operations.