BACSA Welcomes President Zuma’s Pledge for a Year of Action in 2010

Back to news index…

On the auspicious occasion of the 20th anniversary of the release of former President Nelson Mandela from prison, Business Against Crime South Africa (BACSA) congratulates President Zuma on his second State of the Nation address today at the Joint Sitting of Parliament.

BACSA supports the prioritisation of crimes such as hijacking, business and house robberies, as well as contact crimes such as murder, rape and assault.

“Due to the violent nature of crime in South Africa, these are the types of crimes which create insecurity among citizens, businesses, visitors and the most vulnerable members of society. The recent vigour with which the fight against crime has been tackled by Government is beginning to show some results. On the back of this promising start, it is hoped that a 2010 commitment to action will see a sustained and significant reduction in serious and violent crimes,” says Dr Graham Wright, CEO of BACSA.

BACSA applauds the President’s commitment to doing things differently in Government in 2010.

The Government programme to improve the Criminal Justice System, reduce blockages in service delivery and create a performance-oriented culture within the public service is supported by BACSA.

Dr Wright says, “These actions, as well as plans to increase the numbers of police men and women by 10% over the next three years, are welcomed, as these will help to build confidence in the law enforcement agencies and the Justice System as a whole.”

BACSA remains committed to continuing to mobilise business in support of Government efforts to achieve a sustained and significant reduction in the unacceptably high level of serious and violent crime in the country.

The vision of a South Africa where people feel safe and are safe is one for which we all must strive. No one Department, organisation or sector of society can address this priority alone.

“BACSA reiterates the President’s call for all members of society to play their part in fighting crime by not buying stolen goods; complying with the requirements of the law in all its facets; becoming involved in community safety forums; not engaging in corrupt and/or fraudulent practices and reporting criminal activity to the law enforcement agencies, so that the planned increases in manpower within the police force are multiplied by community action against crime”, says Dr Wright.