Pictured-Mayor Babalwa Lobishe, MMC for Safety & Security Cllr. Luyanda Lawu and Acting Chief of Fire Department Mr Nilton Whitbooi.
By Joseph Chirume
Qgeberha
Nelson Mandela Bay was once renowned for its friendly residents and for its pristine, award-winning beaches that stunned thousands of tourists. However, the spike in crime has tainted the good reputation the city once enjoyed.
In an effort to tackle crime head-on, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality recently launched a Safety & Security WhatsApp line for residents to report crime in real time. In addition, a large fleet of vehicles was rolled out on Thursday to effectively fight crime and respond to emergency situations timeously.
Municipal spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya said, “This strategic initiative, driven by the Municipality’s Safety & Security Directorate, reinforces the Metro’s commitment to enhancing communication channels between residents and law enforcement, while enabling quicker reporting, improved coordination, and more effective responses to incidents across communities.”
The event was attended by the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety & Security, Cllr Luyanda Lawu; the Acting Executive Director for Safety & Security, Shadrack Sibiya; Acting Director for Traffic and Licensing, Pat Gounder; Head of Disaster Management, Dr Sindisiwe Nyide; Acting Deputy Director for Security Services, Mncedisi Matikici; along with various law enforcement officials, underscoring the Municipality’s integrated approach to safety and security.
Soyaya further explained, “The WhatsApp line provides residents with a convenient, user-friendly, and accessible platform to report incidents, share critical information, and receive timely updates. Residents are urged to actively use the WhatsApp number, which operates around the clock, to report safety and security-related matters. Residents can contact the WhatsApp line on 079 4900 480.”
The Municipality did not stop there. It bolstered its campaign against crime and improved emergency services provision by investing R16.1 million in a safety fleet.
The fleet, comprising 20 vehicles, has been allocated across Metro Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Traffic and Licensing, Security Services, and Disaster Management to improve operational visibility, coordination, and response capability.
The breakdown includes two vehicles for Metro Police valued at R555,600; two fire tankers delivered with two additional tankers pending, valued at R7.9 million; Traffic and Licensing vehicles, including a VW Transporter, a Mercedes Fuso breakdown truck, and two Toyota bakkies, valued at R4.45 million; Security Services vehicles valued at R3.13 million; and three Disaster Management vehicles valued at R1.75 million.
Additionally, communication equipment to the value of R4.7 million has been delivered, with a further R4.1 million in equipment expected, strengthening coordination across safety services.
The Municipality is also awaiting the delivery of specialised firefighting vehicles valued at R27 million, including a rescue pump and hydraulic platform, which will significantly enhance advanced emergency response capability, particularly for incidents, crime, fires, and disasters. This follows public concern regarding the state of Fire and Emergency Services.
Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe said, “This investment is firmly aligned with the priorities of the 7th Administration: building a capable and ethical state, driving inclusive economic growth, and improving the quality of life of our people. It is equally aligned with the Municipality’s Integrated Development Plan priorities, particularly strengthening basic service delivery, building safer communities, and positioning Nelson Mandela Bay as a competitive and investable city.”
