Question to the Presidency: Why are communities not allowed to keep themselves safe?

Our question at Monday's "Cabinet Meets Business" event in Cape Town was directed at Rudi Dicks from the Presidency, who heads up Project Vulindlela—the flagship initiative with Business Leadership South Africa to reduce economic constraints and drive public sector reforms. I asked him the following:

Given that crime is costing South Africa 10% of GDP (as we had just heard in a presentation) and given that investment, growth, and jobs in townships like Khayelitsha are impeded mostly by crime, why does the Presidency not allow or enable communities to protect themselves? Surely reducing crime should be the first priority of Vulindlela? Surely the devolution of policing powers is not such a difficult reform?

Rudi Dicks correctly responded that he did not have an answer, and that politicians need to respond to the question.

Just hours later, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis announced that the City has declared a formal intergovernmental dispute with Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, which will lead to court action if the devolution of investigative powers to the City is not addressed. 

This shows how the private sector can speak up and drive meaningful change. When we zero in on the right issues, government can respond rapidly—if it chooses to. It is time for business to become vocal and constructive, anchored in constitutional principles and the understanding that enterprise drives job growth and builds the tax base essential to our collective economic survival.

Utilise this opportunity today to make your voice heard on the issues affecting you. It will take 10 minutes of your time. Click here to be heard.   

John Lawson, CEO of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry