By Levy Masiteng
The Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal governments have launched a joint programme aimed at tackling violence, criminality and social instability in hostel communities, with premiers Panyaza Lesufi and Thamsanqa Ntuli leading a cleansing ceremony in Katlehong at the launch.
The Ayihlale Phansi Ibambe Umthetho Programme was launched at Buyafuthi Hostel as part of an interprovincial effort to improve safety, strengthen cooperation with law enforcement and promote peaceful coexistence among hostel residents.
Lesufi and Ntuli hosted the large-scale ceremony following engagements between the two provincial governments over conditions in Gauteng’s hostels. Gauteng Infrastructure Development MEC Jacob Mamabolo also attended the event.
“We have many hostel dwellers who are coming from KwaZulu-Natal who are here for job opportunities, and on a weekly basis, we are seeing bodies of people who have lost their lives being brought down for funerals in the province of KwaZulu-Natal,” Ntuli said.
“Hostel dwellers have been left for a very long time without support in dealing with the issues affecting them. That is why we believe if we create that platform, we are going to see change,” he said.
The KwaZulu-Natal government said the initiative was intended to promote peace, safety, stability and social cohesion, while encouraging hostel residents to reject criminality and uphold the law.
It also seeks to rebuild the values of ubuntu, reconciliation and mutual respect, while improving cooperation between government, traditional leaders, law enforcement agencies, community safety structures and hostel residents.
The ceremony brought together provincial government representatives, traditional leaders, law enforcement agencies and residents as part of efforts to rebuild trust and reclaim hostels as safe places to live.
Traditional leaders raised concerns about taxi-related assassinations, killings at taverns, illegal mining and substance abuse among young people.
Gauteng induna Mdeni Mdletshe said traditional leaders wanted to unite communities and reduce the number of deaths linked to crime and social problems.
“We are trying to unite the people of South Africa and are very concerned about the number of people dying in our societies. There is also the issue of illegal mining, taxi and tavern killings as well as drugs that have taken over the lives of our young people and that is why we have called on traditional leaders to talk to their people in hostels,” Mdletshe said.
The KwaZulu-Natal government said the programme was also intended to strengthen relationships between hostel leaders, residents and law enforcement agencies.
It said crime and instability could not be addressed by government alone and required the participation of communities, traditional leaders, police and other social partners.
Ntuli attended the ceremony with KwaZulu-Natal Director-General Nokuthula Khanyile and acting Community Safety and Liaison head Funi Makhanya.
During the launch, Ntuli appointed uMtwan’ uKinobho as coordinator of the Ayihlale Phansi Ibambe Umthetho Programme. The initiative is expected to be commemorated annually in July.
The provincial government described the ceremony as both a symbolic and practical intervention intended to encourage healing, reconciliation and a renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence.
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