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The Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Safety in the City of Johannesburg, Councillor Mgcini Tshwaku, has urged residents, visitors and businesses to be alert ahead of the long weekend and festive season.

MMC Tshwaku says: “The onus of keeping safe, alert and always acting responsibly over the festive season and beyond remains the responsibility of all residents, businesses and visitors to the City. 

“I cannot underscore the importance of this, whether you are on your premises, out shopping, at home, on the road or outdoors.”  

Cllr Tshwaku cautioned against the carrying of large amounts of cash, drinking and driving, unruly behaviour and the use of drugs and weapons, stressing that the aim of the festive season is to be on holiday, not in jail or the morgue.

Schools have closed and most businesses will do so by 14 December 2023 before the start of the long weekend. There will be a lot of travelling between provinces and the City will be quieter, but it will nevertheless have a fair number of visitors and tourists. 

There is already a heightened sense of awareness and greater visibility of police in and around shopping malls, on the roads, parks and crime hotspots. 

“Earlier in the month, we launched the Safer Festive Season Campaign, a joint multifaceted approach by JMPD, EMS, Disaster Management, Tactical Response Unit, SAPS and private security agencies to respond quickly and effectively to any criminal activity, violence, recklessness, drunken driving, bylaw transgressions, fires, water related incidents and road infringements including setting up roadblocks on main and arterial routes,” says MMC Tshwaku.

Some road safety tips:

Ensure vehicle is roadworthy before undertaking your trip.

Do not drive without a valid driver’s licence.

Do not drink or take illegal substances when driving.

Driver and passengers must use safety belts.

Observe the speed limit and reduce speed when it rains.

General Safety 

Ensure windows and doors are closed and locked before going to bed or leaving home.

Always charge your phone.

Completely put out braai fires.

Avoid excessive drinking, quarrels, and drugs.

Do not cross flooded rivers or roads.

Be observant of your surrounds.

Do not be conned into making any financial transactions.

In case of emergency, call 10111 or 011 375 5911

Issued by The City of Joburg