To bolster security in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, the Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) has announced the imminent installation of advanced surveillance cameras.
This initiative, which highlights the collaboration between the public and private sectors, aims to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
MBDA Board Chairperson, Glenda Perumal, welcomed attendees at the announcement event held at the Tramways Building in Gqeberha on Tuesday, November 12, emphasising the importance of this initiative. “The safety of residents is paramount, and is possible with the assistance of technology. This marks positive steps to building a promising future for the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality,” she said. Perumal highlighted that this initiative represents a crucial partnership between various sectors, coming together to enhance community safety.
MBDA CEO, Anele Qaba, elaborated on the agency’s mandate to pursue Urban Renewal Initiatives in the inner cities of Gqeberha and Kariega. He stressed that the goal is to ensure these economic hubs are clean, safe, and contribute positively to the economy of Nelson Mandela Bay.
“After careful consideration, consultations, and planning, it became necessary for the MBDA to review its security strategy in order to deal decisively with crime in mandate areas of Gqeberha CBD, Kariega CBD, and NMB Stadium Precinct,” Qaba explained.
The new security strategy involves a smart, hybrid approach, deemed essential owing to the current climate in which crime deters investment. High crime levels in the inner city have led to businesses struggling and disinvestment, exacerbating the already high unemployment rate. “We looked at the traditional way of approaching safety and security and found that on its own, it’s simply not effective,” Qaba revealed.
The smart hybrid security programme includes boots on the ground (security guards), a response vehicle and CCTV cameras and monitoring.
Qaba reassured residents of Kariega, Despatch, and KwaNobuhle that their safety is a priority. “Problem areas in that region will be identified, and the programme will be rolled out there too,” he added.
Deputy Executive Mayor, Gary Van Niekerk, expressed his excitement about the initiative, noting that he had informed Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane, who shares his enthusiasm. “When it comes to fighting crime, partnership is important because it negatively affects all of us. When it comes to criminals, an us vs them approach is needed – us, preventers of crime, and them, the criminals,” Van Niekerk remarked. He commended the MBDA for its swift implementation and encouraged continued efforts.
- 112 New cameras have been installed
- The 112 is in addition to over 70 cameras installed by MBDA partners
- Several have face recognition capabilities
- Several have licence plate recognition capabilities
- All footage is recorded and kept as per security protocols
- The Control Room will be monitored on a 24/7 basis
- NMU intends to add capacity to this programme for the safety of off-campus students.
