On Friday 29 November 2024, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, Member of the Johannesburg Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Safety, launched the city’s festive campaign in partnership with Heineken Beverages.
The event took place at the intersection of Riversand Boulevard and the R511 North/South in Fourays from 10:30am to 1:00pm. Speaking at the launch, MMC Tshwaku emphasised that the city would be stepping up efforts to combat illegal activities, including drunk driving, during the festive period. He made it clear that anyone caught violating the law would be arrested and held accountable, regardless of an individual's status or knowledge of municipal authorities.
The goal of the campaign is to encourage all residents and visitors to respect the law and ensure a safer and more responsible holiday season for all.
MMC Advisor and former MMC Community Safety Officer, David Tembe, spoke at the start, highlighting that Lenasia seems to be a forgotten area in terms of community safety efforts. He explained that city-wide operations will be carried out in coordination with existing MMCs. These operations will not only focus on highways but will also target urban centres and residential areas to ensure wider and more effective implementation of safety measures across Johannesburg. The goal is to create a safer environment not only in large roads, but also in all regions.
MMC and Tebem have caused concerns about the growing problem of drug abuse in regions such as Lenasius and Eldorado Park. He pointed out that some intersections in these areas are controlled by drug addicts, suggesting that cracking down on illegal substances must be part of the city's broader security efforts. Tembe stressed the importance of tackling not only alcohol-related crime but also drug abuse.
He called for the introduction of advanced equipment such as wearable devices that can quickly determine if a person has used drugs, and to provide a more comprehensive approach to public safety beyond drug monitoring.
He also shared initiatives he has discussed with bar owners, including the importance of serving alcohol responsibly. He explained that city officials will visit bars to check if customers are intoxicated, with the aim of helping bar owners address the situation before it escalates.
Tembe stressed that the aim is not to arrest people on the spot, but to provide information to bar owners and encourage responsible behaviour by monitoring their customers. He called on people not to continue drinking after reaching the legal limit to ensure a safer environment for all visitors.
Tembe outlined his intention to partner with tavern owners during the festive period, stressing the importance of responsible drinking. He explained that municipal authorities would conduct tests at taverns, advising patrons to sober up or stay in the establishment for a few hours if they are intoxicated, rather than drive. If necessary, customers will be advised to drink water and take breaks until they are ready to drive.
Furthermore, he noted that operations will be launched in areas like Lenasia and other communities to target not only taverns but also drunk drivers. He acknowledged that during the holiday period many people will be traveling late into the night and may be under the influence of alcohol, which could pose a danger on the roads.
Tembe also discussed the importance of the deputy regional chief in implementing the public safety operations plan for the festive period and beyond through June.
The tactics of crimes and drunk driving are constantly changing, and these tasks are constantly developing. He urged the law enforcement to maintain adaptability to ensure efficiency. To the people of Lenasia and the surrounding area,
Tembe had a clear message: "When you go out for fun, do so responsibly. Avoid drugs and crime." Whether your're at a tavern, a party, or a church, take care of yourselves. If you need help, contact us—our teams will be there to assist."
He reminded everyone that safety is a shared responsibility and that the city is committed to protecting all its residents.
No comments:
Post a Comment