CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE — As South Africans participate in the first voter registration weekend ahead of the November local government elections, Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Geordin Hill-Lewis has declared that the South African Police Service (SAPS) is failing to win the fight against crime. Speaking from a registration site in Bontville, the Cape Town mayoral candidate highlighted a severe crisis in SAPS leadership and reiterated his party’s urgent call for localized policing powers to combat escalating violence.
A Crisis in SAPS Leadership
Addressing the ongoing gang violence plaguing the Western Cape, Hill-Lewis expressed deep concern over the safety of residents, pointing to a recent incident in Grassy Park where four people were gunned down while sitting outside a residence.
He argued that the current national policing framework is insufficient, stating that SAPS is simply not able to get the crime crisis under control. Hill-Lewis pointed to a complete breakdown in the credibility of the national police service, noting that nearly the entire top leadership core is currently suspended or facing arrest, with more generals arrested just yesterday.
To combat this, the DA leader is advocating for the expansion of metropolitan policing powers. He noted that the provincial police commissioner recently agreed that metro police should be granted more authority to assist. Hill-Lewis outlined his vision to build a dedicated metro police detective department in Cape Town to investigate violent crimes and ensure convictions, emphasizing that localized policing is essential for the safety of communities.
The Importance of the Voter Registration Weekend
The push for better policing comes as political parties ramp up their campaigns for the first voter registration weekend. The DA is using the weekend to encourage eligible voters to register, either in person at sites like Bontville or through online platforms.
Hill-Lewis emphasized that local government elections directly impact communities at the grassroots level. He noted that the outcomes of these elections dictate the quality of service delivery, infrastructure development, public safety, and overall economic growth in towns and cities.
Immigration Tensions and the Economy
The registration weekend coincides with World Refugee Day and growing national tensions surrounding anti-illegal immigration protests, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal. Hill-Lewis addressed the rising temperature in the country, urging South Africans to deal with their concerns lawfully and peacefully.
“We are not hateful people. We are not violent people,” Hill-Lewis stated, calling on the public to lower the temperature and uphold constitutional values. He attributed the underlying pressure and frustration to a non-functioning economy and a lack of job opportunities, arguing that fixing towns and cities is the only way to grow the economy and create work.
When asked about the former DA leader and current Johannesburg mayoral candidate meeting with organizations that have intensified anti-immigration protests, Hill-Lewis maintained that the core message of the party remains unchanged. He stated that as long as the message conveyed during such meetings loudly and emphatically condemns incitement, hate, and violence, and upholds the rule of law, the engagements are acceptable.
Shelters and Voting Rights for the Homeless
The interview also touched on the challenges faced by the homeless community, many of whom have lost their documentation due to the enforcement of municipal bylaws, hindering their ability to register to vote.
Hill-Lewis highlighted the City of Cape Town’s efforts to address homelessness, noting the creation of 1,400 new shelter beds over the last four years. He urged homeless individuals to utilize these facilities, explaining that securing a shelter address is a vital step in enabling them to register and vote.
Acknowledging the complexities of the crisis, Hill-Lewis noted that many homeless individuals struggle with alcohol or drug addiction and are hesitant to enter shelters because substance use is prohibited. However, he stressed that living on the streets is neither safe nor dignified, and moving into a shelter is a necessary step toward rehabilitation and civic participation.
Demonstrating Readiness to Govern
Finally, Hill-Lewis defended the DA’s recent announcement of its shadow cabinet proposals, which was released ahead of the President’s official announcement. He confirmed he had been in close contact with the President throughout the process and dismissed any backlash about the timing.
Hill-Lewis framed the proactive announcement as a demonstration of the DA’s readiness to govern. He stated that it shows South Africans that if the DA becomes the largest party, it will not shy away from making the difficult decisions required to get the country working and deliver for the public.
