The Kouga community rallied for a safer festive season as the Sarah Baartman District’s Safer Festive Season Operations launched with a second event at Tokyo Sexwale Stadium in Jeffreys Bay on November 8.
This high-profile event, led by District Commissioner Major General Zolani Xawuka, brought together law enforcement, community members, and key stakeholders to reinforce safety efforts across Kouga and the broader district.
The operations underscore the importance of collaboration under the theme, “Combating Crime through Decisive Police Action and Robust Community Involvement.”
The salient message from Xawuka was to garner support and engage pertinent stakeholders such as private security companies to work as force multipliers, especially during this time of the year.
He emphasised that the police cannot travel the journey of fighting crime on their own and without the backing and support of the community.
“As we launch the Safer Festive Season Operations, we are also calling on various and relevant stakeholders, as well as all crime-fighting institutions within the communities, to carry this message to their constituencies. This is an important message to spread to the people at this time of the festive season,” said Xawuka.
Kouga Executive Deputy Mayor, Timothy Jantjes, said, “Kouga is proud to support this district-wide initiative, uniting our community and stakeholders in a common goal of safety and security.”
He noted that as the number of tourists visiting the Kouga region continues to rise, there has been a corresponding increase in reported crime statistics.
Despite this increase, Jantjes said that ensuring a safer Kouga during the festive season is a top priority, which will allow residents and visitors to enjoy this special time of the year.
“Beachgoers in Jeffreys Bay can relax and revel in the beauty of the ocean and pristine beaches without fear of crime or harm,” said Jantjes.
“Together, we create a formidable force against crime. Kouga’s resilience and solidarity will be vital as we enter this period.”
As part of the launch, the Sarah Baartman District received five new vehicles from SAPS Provincial Supply Chain Management, which will aid in increasing patrol coverage and response times during this high-traffic season.
“With heightened operations and the addition of new vehicles to bolster police mobility, our commitment to a safe and enjoyable festive season remains unwavering,” said Jantjes.
Ahead of the festive season, he said that additional plans will be implemented by the municipality to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
Traffic Law Enforcement:
Enhanced visibility patrols will be conducted on all routes within the Kouga area, with a strict zero-tolerance approach on:
- Alcohol enforcement
- Seat-belt compliance
- Overloading, including public transport vehicles
- Driver and vehicle fitness
- Speed enforcement measures, including average speed monitoring, will also remain in effect
Blue Flag, Lifeguards, and Shark Spotters:
- Dolphin Beach, Jeffreys Bay: Blue Flag status, lifeguard services, and shark spotters will be in place from November 1 to April 30, 2025.
- Cape St Francis Beach: Blue Flag status, lifeguards, and shark spotters will be on duty from December 2 to February 28, 2025.
- Other beaches: Lifeguard services will be available from December 2 to January 17 at Kabeljous Beach and Lagoon, Pellsrus Beach, Aston Bay Beach and Lagoon, Paradise Beach, St Francis Main Beach, Grannies Pool in St Francis, and Oyster Bay.
Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC):
- No appointments for learner and driver’s licence testing will be available from December 16 to January 3, 2025.
- During this period, a first-come, first-served walk-in system will be in place.
- Regular appointments will resume on January 6, 2025.
Vehicle Registration, Licensing, and Vehicle
Testing Centre:
- Vehicle registration and licensing services will operate as per normal office hours, except on public holidays.
- Free roadworthy checks will be offered from December 2 to 6, 2024.
These free checks, however, do not apply to vehicles requiring certification of roadworthiness for registration and licensing purposes.
As we enter the festive season, Jantjes has extended his warmest wishes to all Kouga residents and visitors.
“May this be a time of joy, rest, and celebration with family and friends, and an opportunity to explore the many beautiful sights and experiences our region has to offer,” said Jantjes.
