The Minister for the Public Service and Administration, Mr Senzo Mchunu, visited the Kwa-Yanguye (Sanguye) area in Melmoth, KwaZulu-Natal province. The Minister was received and welcomed by iNkosi Zifubaziyazi Biyela. The purpose of the Minister’s visit was to engage with iNkosi, Izinduna of Sanguye, as well as the sector commander of the South African Police Service in Melmoth, on the successive murders occurring in the area, said to be at 25 in number.
In his opening remarks, the Minister advised the attendees on the role of the DPSA: “In as much as the DPSA issues norms and standards for the public service, there is a further duty on us to ensure that quality public services are delivered to the citizens of the Republic of South Africa, as it is their constitutional right.”
In outlining the issues which currently plague the area, iNkosi Biyela lamented on the lives lost and said whilst the burials had occurred, their hearts were still heavy. iNkosi Biyela expressed that things had to change; stating that members of the community could not continue to live in fear whereas security services, through the SAPS, were available.
Present from SAPS were, amongst others, Brigadiers Mgenge and Mhlongo. Upon responding as SAPS, the Melmoth Station Commander, Colonel Robert Souls listed a number of challenges the station is currently facing, citing lack of resources and low staff complement as just some of the challenges. Colonel Souls further pleaded with the delegation present to provide the police with information as this would go a long way in assisting the police, thereby enabling arrests.
The Minister advised that he would relay all the information from the meeting to the Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele as well as the District Development Model deployee, Minister Fikile Mbalula.
One of the Minister’s priorities concerns professionalization of the public service as contained in the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030. As the rendering of security forms part of public service, the Minister stressed the vital role played by the police in protecting the citizens of the country and the country itself. “Police are entrusted with one of the greatest responsibilities – safeguarding the citizens – and as such, they should serve with integrity, honesty and with the greatest of pride”.
Enquiries:
Kamogelo Mogotsi
Cell: 076 523 0085
E-mail: Kamogelo.Mogotsi@dpsa.gov.za
