20 February 2007
President Thabo Mbeki, this afternoon met with First Rand Limited Chairman,
Mr GT Ferreira, First Rand Limited Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Paul
Harris and First Rand Bank CEO, Mr Sizwe Nxasana in Pretoria.
The Group appraised the President on their widely publicised media
advertisement campaign on crime. The First Rand Group reiterated its commitment
to fighting crime in partnership with established business structures and
government.
President Mbeki expressed his respect for the right of South Africans to
express their views without let or hindrance and welcomed the opportunity to
engage with the leadership of the First Rand Group.
The President reiterated government's commitment to fighting crime in the
context of South Africa's developmental challenges. He noted that this
commitment was expressed, amongst others, in substantial budgetary allocations
made to the South African Police Service since 1994. The allocations are as
follows:
1994/1995: R7,7 billion
1999/2000: R14,6 billion
2006/2007: R32,5 billion
2009/2010 (estimate): R43,6 billion
Below is an illustration of the increase in police personnel over the years
as well as projected increases up to 2009.
2001/2002: 116,774
2003/2004: 139,000
2005/2006: 155,500
2008/2009: 183,000
Finally, the meeting was constructive and underscored both the value and
need to deepen dialogue amongst South Africans.
For more information, please contact:
Mukoni Ratshitanga
Tel: (012) 300 5436
Cell: 082 300 3447
Issued by: The Presidency
20 February 2007
