The Gauteng Provincial Government has put more money into fighting crime. They’ve added R2.3 billion for the 2024/25 year and R7.2 billion over the next three years.
Speaking to lawmakers on Tuesday, Finance MEC Jacob Mamamolo said the money will help make law enforcement stronger.
The funds will go towards things like Crime Prevention Wardens, better aerial surveillance using helicopters and drones, improving the Provincial Integrated Command Centre, supporting community policing, fighting Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and tackling crimes against children through the GBV Response Plan.
They’ll also use the money for programmes to prevent crime and make communities safer.
This announcement comes after Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said in February that they would put more money into fighting crime.
He also welcomed the new Gauteng Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni, who started on 01 March 2024.
“The government is looking forward to working with Lieutenant-General Mthombeni to fight crime, especially in townships, informal settlements, and hostels, and to stop lawlessness and vandalism in Gauteng.”
To make townships safer, they’ve set aside R50 million for this year and R111.4 million over the next three years for CCTV cameras in crime hotspots.
They’ve also reserved R10 million to bring in e-Panic buttons, as Premier Lesufi wanted.
Meanwhile, Mamabolo gave R64.8 billion for this year and R202.7 billion over the next three years to the Gauteng Department of Health.
This shows the government’s commitment to improving health in areas like townships. Speaking to the lawmakers, MEC Mamabolo put most of the budget into social services like health, education, and social development.
He said education, health, and social services are important for Gauteng’s people, and they’re giving 83 per cent of the budget to these areas.
To make healthcare better, they’ve set aside R14.2 billion for this year and R43.4 billion over the next three years.
This money will help people get better access to good healthcare, improve Community Health Centres’ services, and reduce the waiting time for radiation treatment.
He also acknowledged the problems young unemployed doctors face and promised to deal with them.
“We promise doctors that we’re taking this seriously. The Department of Health will make sure it’s dealt with. The Health and Wellness MEC will give updates on this regularly.”
By Lerato Mailoane
