POTCHEFSTROOM - In an earnest move to address pressing societal issues, the Deputy Minister of Police, Mr. Cassel Mathale, spearheaded the Gender Based Violence & Femicide (GBVF) and the Substance and Drug Abuse Imbizo on Saturday, 12 August 2023, at the Ikageng Stadium.
Collaborative Mission
The Deputy Minister was not alone in his mission. He was supported by Deputy Ministers Ms. B Moloi from Employment and Labour, and Mr. J Jeffrey from Justice and Constitutional Development. Other notable attendees included Mr. Sello Lehari, MEC for Safety & Transport Management; Lt Gen Sibiya, the Deputy National Commissioner of Crime Detection; Lt Gen Sello Kwena, the North West Provincial Commissioner; Acting Mayor Cllr Mkhabela of JB Marks Local Municipality, and numerous senior managers from various government departments.
Community Involvement
The gathering was not just a bureaucratic exercise; community members were actively involved. They seized the opportunity to voice their grievances, spanning from resource shortages, requests for a new police station, stipends for Community Police Forum members, illegal mining concerns, the troubling rise in drug abuse, and alleged corruption within the police force. There were also concerns regarding unfulfilled promises from previous engagements.
In a transparent and responsive gesture, Deputy Ministers Moloi and Jeffrey, alongside other senior government officials, directly addressed these concerns. To demonstrate the administration's commitment to combating corruption, Lt Gen Sibiya went the extra mile by sharing his personal cellphone number with the community.
Need for Cooperation
During his address, Deputy Minister Mathale emphasized the vital importance of cooperation across all government spheres. "Listening to the community is part of us working together," he affirmed, adding that collective efforts are essential to combat crime effectively. This spirit of collaboration was further cemented as he announced the recruitment drive for 10,000 new police officers, urging young individuals to seize this opportunity.
Corruption ion the Ranks
On the thorny issue of corruption within the ranks, the Deputy Minister's stance was unequivocal: corruption will not be tolerated. Officers found engaging in corrupt practices will trade their blue uniforms for prison orange. He called upon community members to step forward with any information that could help root out any dishonest officers.
Long Walk to Freedom
Drawing his address to a close, the Deputy Minister likened the fight against GBVF and substance abuse to "a very long walk to freedom". While acknowledging the challenges ahead, he expressed an unwavering determination to work hand in hand with the community for a better tomorrow.
Symbolic Gesture
The Imbizo culminated in a symbolic gesture: a pledge against Gender Based Violence and Substance and Drug Abuse. This commitment was inked by all present dignitaries, stakeholders, and representatives from the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM).
Contacts
For further information, please contact: Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone at 082 496 9642.
