Economic growth and job creation are fundamental to overcoming current crime crisis

The Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry believes economic growth and job creation are fundamental to overcoming South Africa’s current crime crisis.

The Chamber notes with concern the latest crime statistics which suggest an increasing number of South Africans are turning to crime. The news coincides with widespread reports of under-resourced and ill-equipped police stations, particularly in poorer areas where many residents do not have the luxury of private security.

We believe that job creation is one of the best strategies to fight crime. There is a direct relation between crime and poverty. By creating economic opportunities and promoting economic growth we can absorb people into productive activity, thereby reducing one potential cause of criminal activity.

The latest alarming crime statistics for the first quarter of 2022 are a further blow to long-suffering South African taxpayers who are already taking strain due to other service delivery shortcomings. Rampant crime also has a crippling impact on economic growth, with investors less likely to commit to infrastructure projects in high crime rate areas.

The Chamber also notes that Cape Town Central Business District has one of the highest crime rates, with 2633 serious crimes between January and March this year – an increase of 54,2% compared with last year, according to reported figures.

We wish to extend our condolences to all those affected by the current crime wave, and we urge government to address the crisis with all the means at their disposal. South Africa counts the cost not only in terms of lives cost and families devastated, but also in terms of damage to the economy and lost business opportunities.

Our dream of a prosperous society for all South Africans is hugely dependent on a collective effort to overcome this crime epidemic.