In an impassioned address during the inaugural South African Police Service (SAPS) Summit, President Cyril Ramaphosa underscored the urgent need for a proactive and innovative approach to ensure the safety and security of communities across the nation.
He highlighted that as the first line of defence, the police must align their operations with the Batho Pele principles, which emphasise high service standards, consultation, and treating citizens with dignity and respect.
The President outlined the dual nature of crime as both a cause and a symptom of deeper societal issues, such as poverty, inequality, and unemployment, stating that these factors threaten the social fabric and economic stability of communities. "Addressing crime without understanding its root causes is like a doctor treating a patient for a fever without diagnosing the underlying illness," Ramaphosa asserted. This holistic understanding, he noted, is essential for establishing effective policing strategies that resonate with community needs.
During the summit, taking place at Emperor’s Palace Conference Centre in Kempton Park, Gauteng, which gathered various stakeholders from government, civil society, and the private sector, the emphasis was placed on collaborative efforts to combat crime. Ramaphosa stated, "Just as crime is an all-of-society problem, overcoming crime must be an all-of-society effort." This collaborative approach aims to improve existing relationships between the police and the communities they serve, as well as boost the morale of SAPS members who are operating under significant strain.
He said the challenges facing the SAPS are compounded by emerging threats, including transnational organised crime, illegal mining, and extortion syndicates. Despite these obstacles, the President praised the SAPS for its ongoing successes in crime-fighting operations, particularly citing recent breakthroughs in dismantling cash-in-transit heist networks and recovering illegal firearms in KwaZulu-Natal. However, he cautioned that restoring public trust in the police remains a critical goal in their efforts to effectively combat crime.
Collaborative crime-fighting strategies take centre stage
"We must work better and smarter," Ramaphosa emphasised, pointing out that communities are the most potent resource in fighting crime because they often hold key information about criminal activity. He called for clear strategies from the summit to bolster community involvement in crime prevention and harness the potential of Community Policing Forums (CPFs).
Highlighting the significance of technological advancements in modern policing, he voiced strong support for the adoption of digital tools such as mobile apps and online reporting systems to facilitate better interaction between the public and police. Furthermore, he urged a more significant collaboration among various law enforcement agencies to enhance coordination and intelligence sharing.
The President also addressed the persistent issue of corruption within the SAPS, stressing the need for accountability and a renewed commitment to ethical behaviour. "It is our expectation that this summit will devote the necessary attention to promoting ethical behaviour, accountability and measures to rebuild confidence in law enforcement," he stated, calling for a cultural shift towards honesty and integrity within the ranks of the police.
As the summit progresses, Ramaphosa's administration hopes to emerge with actionable recommendations that will inform a comprehensive strategy for policing in South Africa. "If the SAPS is to fulfil its crucial mandate, we have to establish a clear plan aimed at addressing the systemic deficiencies impacting policing," he concluded.
In a call to arms against crime, Ramaphosa said a united front involving government, communities, and the private sector is essential for fostering safety in South Africa, adding the outcomes of the SAPS Summit could pave the way for transformative changes in policing strategies, ultimately leading to safer neighbourhoods for all.
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President Cyril Ramaphosa addressing the SAPS Summit on 8 April 2025. Picture: GCIS
