Soweto, South Africa – Deputy President Paul Mashatile has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling the country’s high crime rates and gender-based violence (GBV), declaring that the state will “win the war against crime.”
Mashatile made these remarks during the launch of the Clean Cities and Towns campaign in Kliptown, Soweto, a historic site now struggling with neglect and urban decay. The campaign, a joint effort by national, provincial, and local government, seeks to promote cleaner communities and address service delivery challenges.
Public Outrage Over Crime and GBV
The Deputy President’s statements come amid growing public anger over violent crimes, including the recent brutal murders of Olorato Mongale and 14-year-old Likhona Fose, which have sparked nationwide outrage.
Mashatile emphasized that the government is intensifying efforts to combat crime through initiatives such as Operation Shanela and the multi-sectoral Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Councils.
“We will win the war against crime,” Mashatile declared. “We are going to coordinate with all stakeholders—this is not just a city issue. National government will also step in to ensure we deal decisively with crime.”
Johannesburg’s Readiness for G20 Summit
With Johannesburg set to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit next year, concerns have been raised about the city’s preparedness, particularly regarding infrastructure and service delivery.
However, Mashatile expressed confidence in the city’s ability to host the event, stating that national government would work closely with local authorities to address challenges.
“We are ready as a city,” he said. “There are a number of programs in place, and we are working together to resolve any issues.”
Revitalizing Kliptown’s Heritage Sites
The launch of the Clean Cities campaign also highlighted the deteriorating state of Kliptown’s heritage sites, including the Walter Sisulu and Charlotte Maxeke memorials.
Mashatile acknowledged the neglect but assured that the government, along with Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero, is committed to restoring the area. Plans include relocating families occupying heritage sites to subsidized housing to make way for redevelopment.
“The mayor has identified 14 families who will be moved so that we can revitalize these spaces for the benefit of the community,” Mashatile said.
A Multi-Pronged Approach
The Clean Cities campaign follows the launch of the Cleaner Joburg 100 Spots Initiative and the “Bomb Squad”—a task force led by ANC Veterans League president Snuki Zikalala—aimed at fast-tracking service delivery solutions ahead of the G20 Summit.
As government officials pledge to restore order and safety, citizens remain watchful, demanding tangible results in the fight against crime and urban decay.
“We are determined to fix these issues,” Mashatile concluded. “This is not just about cleaning our cities—it’s about rebuilding pride in our communities.”
