The DA in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is disappointed by the decision to appoint Ms Glen Phumzile Xaba to the role of Head of Department (HOD) within the province’s Department of Community Safety and Liaison.
The post has been vacant for some time and it is clear that MEC, Sipho Hlomuka, is merely filling in the gaps, rather than identifying a competent and experienced individual for such a key role.
Crime is a major problem in our province and it is disappointing that the MEC has – yet again – failed to prioritize the people of our province.
As acting HOD, Ms Xaba had little to no clue how to run this critical department. In most cases she was unable to support reports presented to the province’s Community Safety portfolio committee. In addition, there were no proper plans in place when the department received more than R11million to protect KZN’s iZindunas.
KZN’s Department of Community Safety and Liaison desperately needs an HOD who will take it to a new level when it comes to proper service delivery within our communities.
While some efforts by SAPS are to be commended, it is clearly not enough given the province’s extremely high murder rate and far more needs to be done to bring trigger-happy criminals to book.
The DA believes that there needs to a more proactive approach which must include;
- An increase in police visibility
- An increase in resources and training for SAPS officers and;
- Improved crime intelligence in the province.
The people of KZN deserve crime-free communities and it is time that the MEC and his department stepped up.
When the citizens of our province go to the polls this year, they will have the opportunity to rescue KZN and ensure a safer future for themselves and their families.