Issued by: Gauteng Provincial Government
Master of Ceremonies Honourable Premier, Professor Mathole Motshega Honourable Mayor of Khayalami, Mr. Isaac Mahlangu Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Sharma Maharaj Member of Parliament Distinguished Guests Members of the SAPS Ladies and Gentlemen
This day marks a milestone in the history of the province in general and the fight against crime in particular. Ivory Park is the first ever police station to be built under the ANC - led democratic government in this province.
This project is a culmination of two years of hard work in our Department amidst serious bureaucratic delays and frustrations we are finally pleased to say that we have, through determination, overcome all the obstacles. We are now delivering the much - needed services of safety and security to the communities that were in the past oppressed and discriminated against.
The opening of this police station is but phase one of the project of over 56 million Rand that was allocated through the RDP to build police stations in Orange Far, Eldorado Park, Diepkloof. Construction is already underway in the other three and we are fast - tracking so that it can start soon in Alexander as well.
This is clear testimony of the government commitment to deliver the much - needed safety and security for all. Gone are the days when the resources of the government were only accessed by a minority. We are committed to making sure that all races, social classes and strata are provided with equal and maximum safety and security.
Crime constitutes one of the main obstacles to reconstruction and development. It is an impediment to investment; it stifles economic growth; job creation and also hinders the building of houses, health centres, educational facilities, etc. It is in fact beginning to threaten our very social fabric.
MC, it is our sincere belief and hope that the building of this station will lead to crime reduction in this area and the neighbourhood particularly serious crimes like rape, murder robberies etc. which are currently affecting the entire community. Let me take this opportunity to congratulate the two police officials who foiled an attempted cash in transit heist in Modderfontein yesterday. This new police station has to foster a spirit that emulates such brave actions against criminals.
As the first station to be build under the democratic government in the province, this places a huge and historic responsibility of having to blaze the trail in ensuring that crime, especially serious ones like murder, rape, hijackings, etc. are brought down as a matter or urgency.
There is also need to make sure that:
1. The culture of respect for human rights and the constitution is entrenched within the service.
2. The relations between the police and the community are strengthened.
3. The SAPS Code of Conduct becomes a norm in the delivery of services.
4. The arrests lead to successful prosecution and convictions through thorough investigations.
5. There will be no escapes from custody.
6. The victims of crime are treated with dignity, care and sensitivity particularly women and children.
MC, the opening of this police station takes place at a time when our entire government and nation are preparing to mark the 42nd Anniversary of National Women's Day at the Union Building on the 9th August. I therefore implore members of this police station to prioritise the protection of women and children as they are often the most hard hit by various forms of criminality. The victims must be made to feel at home at all times in this station.
The time has come for the slogan Don't Do Crime to vibrate through all the corners of our province including Ivory Park. All of us should play a role in building a culture of zero tolerance to all forms of criminality.
It is of vital importance also that the management in this station builds systems that will make sure that there is high moral and performance. The high rate of absenteeism that is currently affecting the SAPS should not permeate the station.
Indeed, high levels of discipline within the service are critical to the successful functioning of this station and we urge all the members to work closely with another and cooperate with management in order to achieve that objective.
Accountability and Transparency should be the hallmark of all the endeavours. It is therefore imperative that the station fosters close relations with the community through the Community Policing Forum and other initiatives; work closely with local government as well as our Ministry and Department.
MC, the opening of this station constitutes a big challenge in the fight against crime. For the station to meet the challenges, it is necessary to be more proactive than reactive. As the saying goes "Prevention is better than Cure." We therefore implore all the members to play an active role in initiating crime prevention programmes. The community must play a pivotal role. This station already has the support of the local community as well as celebrities of goodwill like former Ms. South Africa, Peggy - Sue Khumalo, let us make the best out of this and ensure that the police and the community work closely together in combating crime. She would have liked to be part of the occasion and unfortunately she was attacked on Sunday at there house and the police are investigating the case. Peggy - Sue has volunteered to adopt this police station and to work tirelessly with our Ministry to foster closer relations between the police and the community is combating and preventing crime. I urge all positive role models of her stature to follow her example. I wish her speedy recovery.
I take the opportunity to wish all the members success in their endeavours to create a safe and secure environment for the community. I wish to thank the former MEC Cde. Jessie Duarte for the tireless, pioneering work of engineering these projects. I would also like to thank members of my staff, the police officers and everybody who has, directly or indirectly made this event the success it is.
Thank You
Issued by: Ministry for Public Safety and Security, Gauteng
Enquiries: Mbulelo Musi or Delca Maluleke
Tel: (011) 355 1800 Fax: (011) 355 1860 Cell: 082 571 3591 or 083 631 3313