Following the establishment of the Local Business Forum in Ward 132 in early October, the forum recently held its inaugural meeting addressing rising crime and its economic impact.
Ward councillor Annette Deppe created the forum to foster collaboration among local businesses, encouraging them to share innovative ideas that contribute to a cleaner, safer, and crime-free community.
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During the meeting on October 30 held in Woodmead, Michael Sun, a member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature for public safety, addressed the pressing issue of crime impacting the business community, particularly the theft of cables.
Sun highlighted how crime affected business operations and community welfare, noting its widespread nature and the resulting decline in customer confidence and profitability.
“The challenges posed by crime are not only costly but also widespread, touching the daily lives of residents and businesses alike,” said Sun. “Figures show substantial revenue losses due to crime, however, many incidents remain unreported due to the cumbersome legal procedures, resulting in a lack of accountability and resolution.”
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He called for actionable solutions and underscored the importance of elected representatives on oversight committees to ensure law enforcement accountability and adapt strategies to various crime dynamics.
“These forums are crucial for gathering your feedback, which is essential for shaping decisions that enhance community safety and prosperity,” he told attendees.
Sun also emphasised that active citizen engagement was vital for addressing these challenges. “We must cultivate a proactive civic society, not solely dependent on government, to foster a just society within a robust economy. Encouraging citizen participation and collaboration is key to achieving impactful civic change. Your collective voice is necessary to hold our governing bodies accountable.” Sun concluded by emphasising that every business, regardless of size, had a role in creating a safe and sustainable environment for future generations.
“This commitment to community safety and prosperity is our duty as leaders, and we remain steadfast in this endeavour.”
He also commended Deppe for her dedication to establishing and driving the business forum, recognising her commitment to the community’s well-being.
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