Kouga takes major step to strengthen community safety

Kouga establishes stand-alone Safety and Security Directorate

New structure strengthens crime prevention and emergency response

Kouga Municipality has taken a significant step towards enhancing community safety after Council approved the establishment of a stand-alone Safety and Security Directorate.

The decision is aimed at improving coordination, oversight, and responsiveness in matters related to public safety, law enforcement support, and emergency services across the municipality.

The newly approved directorate forms part of Kouga’s integrated approach to addressing safety concerns in communities, particularly in an environment where residents increasingly expect swift and decisive action during emergencies.

Municipality steps in amid policing pressures

Although policing is not a primary function of local government, municipalities are often required to play a leadership role in ensuring community safety, especially where national policing resources are under pressure.

The stand-alone Safety and Security Directorate is intended to allow Kouga Municipality to respond more effectively to safety and security needs by consolidating key functions under a dedicated structure.

This approach is expected to improve planning, coordination, and operational efficiency when responding to incidents affecting residents.

Leadership focus on resident safety

Kouga Mayor Hattingh Bornman, a DA mayor, has been credited for prioritising safety initiatives aimed at protecting residents and strengthening emergency response capabilities.

The establishment of the directorate builds on existing efforts by the municipality to introduce innovative and technology-driven solutions to crime prevention and public safety.

Technology-driven crime prevention measures

Kouga Municipality already utilises advanced technology as part of its safety strategy, including the use of high-tech drones to assist with crime prevention and monitoring.

These drones support ground operations and are particularly useful in high-risk situations and areas that are difficult to access.

In addition, the municipality operates a modern Incident Command Centre based in Humansdorp.

Incident Command Centre enhances coordination

The Incident Command Centre has the capacity to monitor more than 300 cameras, with feeds coming from both municipal infrastructure and private security providers.

Information from community messaging groups and social media platforms is also monitored, allowing incidents to be reported and relayed to relevant authorities more efficiently.

This system enables improved coordination between municipal services, emergency responders, and private security stakeholders.

Community-focused safety initiatives

Several community-driven initiatives complement the municipality’s safety strategy.

These include the UR SAFE Kouga App, which allows residents to contact emergency services using voice commands, with geo-location enabling faster response times.

The municipality also runs the “Boots on the Ground” project, which employs 18 retired police officers and safety specialists who assist with crime prevention and community safety efforts.

Whole-of-society approach to safety

Kouga’s Community Safety Plan is based on collaboration between a wide range of stakeholders.

These include the South African Police Service (SAPS), agricultural and civic organisations, municipal departments, emergency services, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), private security companies, businesses, schools, and charitable organisations.

The municipality says this collective approach ensures that safety remains a shared responsibility across society.

Commitment to safer communities

With the establishment of the stand-alone Safety and Security Directorate, Kouga Municipality says it is reinforcing its commitment to building safer communities.

Through improved coordination, modern technology, and strong partnerships, the municipality aims to enhance public safety and improve the quality of life for residents.