Integrated Safety Strategy to Secure George’s Future as a Safer City
In the photo from the Front row: From left: Cllr Marlene Barnardt (MMC for Planning and Development – Planning, Building Control, Property, IDP, Performance Management, Economic Development, Agriculture and Tourism), Cllr Marchell Kleynhans (MMC for Community Services – Parks, Refuse and Environmental), Lee-Anne Meiring (Senior Manager for Community Safety), Ald Jackie von Brandis (Executive Mayor of George), Cllr Brendon Adams (MMC for Community Safety), Cllr Johan du Toit (MMC for Corporate Services), and Cllr Melvin Roelfse (MMC for Community Services – Social Development, Sport, Libraries and Customer Care).
Back row: From left: Cllr Nosicelo Mbete (MMC for Human Resources), Cllr Raybin Figland (Executive Deputy Mayor of George), Browen Johnson (MMC for Civil Engineering Services – Operating Aspects, Capital Projects & BFI), Cllr Jean Safers (MMC for Planning and Development – Human Settlements), Marais Kruger (MMC: Financial and Strategic Services) and Sean Snyman (Speaker).
As George expands into a larger city, the challenges related to the safety of its citizens, visitors, and businesses have also grown. In response, the George Municipality’s Community Safety Division has developed an Integrated Community Safety Strategy aimed at ensuring the safety of all who reside, study, visit, work, and invest in George.
On Friday, 6 September 2024, the George Municipality’s Community Safety division presented the Integrated Community Safety Strategy to the City’s leadership. The Council leadership, led by Executive Mayor Ald Jackie von Brandis, included MMC for Community Safety, Cllr Brendon Adams, and members of the George Municipal Mayoral Committee.
The leadership team also visited a renovated facility that will serve as the Integrated Operational Command Centre, a key component of the safety strategy. This facility, located at a municipal building on Mitchell Street, next to the George Fire Station, is integral to the city’s safety infrastructure.
“I’m thrilled to see the remarkable work being done within the Community Safety sector of George Municipality. Today, I had the privilege of visiting the CCTV room, where we are showcasing over 700 cameras installed across George. This is a major step toward our vision of a safer and cleaner city,” said Mayor von Brandis during the visit.
The Municipality’s safety operations include law enforcement, traffic services, fire and emergency services, and disaster management. “Safety is crucial to creating viable, competitive, and sustainable cities, and local government plays a key role in achieving this goal,” Mayor von Brandis added.
“While cities offer opportunities for people from all walks of life, they also concentrate crime and violence. This strategy aims to mitigate safety risks and address the challenges that accompany the city’s growth,” Mayor von Brandis emphasized.
MMC Adams praised the community safety team for their proactive approach: “I’m excited to see our team’s dedication to making George a safer city for all its residents. We’ve been touring with the Mayoral Committee of George, showcasing how prepared we are to combat crime and create a safer environment.”
Senior Manager for Community Safety, Lee-Anne Meiring, explained the multi-faceted strategy, which includes technological advancements, institutional development, a dedicated response unit, strengthened relationships with other law enforcement agencies such as the South African Police Service (SAPS), piloting a business intelligence and analytics unit, and upgrading a facility into an Integrated Operational Command Centre for all safety operations.
“Over R5 million has been invested in refurbishing the Integrated Operational Command Centre during the last financial year. This facility will enhance collaboration among all security stakeholders,” said Meiring.
The Integrated Operational Command Centre will include the following features:
• Multi-functional Operational Command Centre
• Enhanced collaboration between various role players
• Centralized hub for information collection and analysis
• Call-taking and dispatching for all Community Safety Departments
• 24-hour call centre
• Strengthened community safety in George
• Capacity to scale up to a Disaster Management Joint Operations Centre (JOC) or incident room
Last year, the George Municipality further bolstered its public safety by expanding its CCTV network to over 700 cameras, spread throughout the city and including municipal buildings. These cameras monitor criminal activity and potential threats, safeguarding municipal property and detecting unlawful actions.
“We are committed to creating a secure environment that enables all stakeholders to function optimally in George. By forging partnerships across various sectors, we will continue working toward making George a safer city,” Mayor von Brandis concluded.
