The eThekwini Municipality is making sure that everything is in order in the city as the festive season approaches. The city anticipates 792 410 visitors to flock to Durban over the festive season. Their main focus includes beefing up the staff complement as well as increased police visibility at tourist precincts and along the beachfront.
eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda said on November 29, that security will be tight to ensure everyone has a joyous and safe festive season.
“There will be 65 beach guides stationed across the various city beaches to aid visitors. An additional 160 seasonal lifeguards have also been deployed to beaches to prevent drownings,” said Mayor Kaunda. “Law enforcement will also be out in full force with about 168 contract security personnel employed for the duration of the festive season. Metro Police officers, South African Police Service, security personnel, and Beach Law Enforcement officers will conduct regular patrols around the city, including on beaches.”
The city has procured 200 000 wristbands which will be used to tag children visiting the beaches. The tags will contain the contact details of parents or guardians to ensure quick reunification if a child is separated from their parents, said the mayor.
The National Festive Season Security Operations Plan was also held yesterday in Durban. The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) Commissioner, Makgothi Thobakgale said the department will enhance prison security to address any potential risks ahead of the festive season.
“Proactive measures will be taken to prevent the smuggling of contraband and to deter any attempts at disorder,” Mr Thobakgale said. “We are going into the holiday season, a time of joy, a time of celebration, and a time of togetherness for many. Yet, the festive season is also a period where the country experiences unique challenges related to elevated crime and security breaches in correctional facilities.”
The launch of the DCS Festive Season Security Operations Plan is their commitment, as Correctional Services, towards safe and secure correctional centres, he added. He said the safety of correctional officials is the department’s number one priority. However, he raised concerns about the officials who continue to live under a cloud of insecurity following several recent attacks.
“This shocking and appalling behaviour by those who try to stop law enforcement agencies from carrying out their duties will not be tolerated. An attack on law enforcement institutions is an attack on the State, and government views this in the most serious light,” said Mr Thobakgale.
According to the Commissioner, overcrowding, gang activities, contraband smuggling and violence have become pervasive. This not only jeopardise the lives of those within facilities but also communities to which offenders eventually return, he added. Mr Thobakgale believes that the festive season poses specific risks, including heightened emotions and increased social interactions among inmates. He stressed that this year’s festive season plan was not only about maintaining security but about fostering an environment where both inmates and staff can experience “a sense of peace and stability”.
“We aim to ensure that the spirit of the season is not overshadowed by incidents that compromise the safety of our facilities. To achieve this, we will implement multi-faceted operations,” said Mr Thobakgale. “Tightening security in our facilities is not merely a matter of institutional concern. It is a collective responsibility that impacts the safety and well-being of the entire society.”
