A city cannot be affordable if it is not safe

Cape Town faces a persistent threat of violent crime that impacts the lives and livelihoods of residents. Just last week, 11 people were killed in separate shootings across Langa, Gugulethu, and Khayelitsha. These incidents highlight how the threat of violence has become a daily reality for many Capetonians, particularly in the Cape Flats communities.

Leon Ngcikwe, a BOSA Ward candidate, was murdered while driving volunteers home after helping neighbors register to vote. The loss of young lives to violence is a stark reminder of the real cost of crime, which includes decisions such as parents restricting their children's activities or shop owners limiting their business hours.

To address this crisis, a comprehensive approach is needed. While law enforcement must arrest criminals and remove illegal firearms, the root causes of violence must also be tackled. This includes investing in early childhood development, supporting families, strengthening education, expanding after-school programs, and providing community resources to prevent young people from joining gangs.

Policing must be a priority, but it is not the sole solution. Safety should be a city-wide concern, influencing all local government decisions, from infrastructure to economic development. By taking a holistic approach, Cape Town can create a safer environment for all residents, allowing them to live, work, and participate in their communities without fear.