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IOL News
a day ago
- Business
- IOL News
Premier Winde announces intensified efforts against extortion in Western Cape
Premier Alan Winde outlines the Western Cape's intensified efforts to tackle extortion through cross-sector collaboration. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers. The Western Cape government is intensifying its battle against extortion by implementing a comprehensive, collaborative strategy that brings together law enforcement, the private sector, and local communities. Premier Alan Winde has described this issue as a 'cancer' that threatens both economic growth and public safety in the province. Speaking at his weekly digital press conference (digicon) on safety, Premier Winde was joined by Business Against Crime South Africa (BACSA) Western Cape Chairperson, Hubert Paulse, to showcase the province's increased multi-sectoral efforts to confront the growing scourge of extortion. 'This was about the whole of government and society coming together to coordinate ourselves better to confront this 'cancer' called extortion and to discuss how we are going to rid ourselves of this horrendous crime that impacts so many of our residents and businesses,' said Winde. 'It strangles economic growth and job creation. Daily, it threatens residents' safety and their livelihoods, robbing them of opportunities and their dignity.' Winde stressed that the only way to dismantle these extortion networks, often referred to as 'extortion mafias', is through collaboration across all levels of society. 'The only way we will eradicate 'extortion mafias' is if we all work together,' he said. Extortion emerged as a key focus at this week's Western Cape Government Multi-Sectoral Anti-Extortion Summit, which convened provincial ministers, SAPS representatives, the City of Cape Town, and academics to coordinate strategies aimed at combating the extortion crisis affecting local communities and businesses. BACSA, a non-profit public-private partnership established in 1996, has played a leading role in building safety partnerships across the country. Paulse highlighted how the organisation's initiatives are being used to fight extortion and other crimes, stating:` 'Our message is simple but powerful. We foster collaboration with all stakeholders to fight crime. When we work together, we do not just reduce crime, we restore hope. And with hope comes confidence. Businesses become more willing to invest, and that investment leads to the creation of more jobs.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading One of BACSA's key crime-fighting tools is its Eyes and Ears Initiative (E2), a technology-driven platform that links private security companies and other vetted partners with SAPS command centres. According to Paulse, this network uses surveillance tech such as drones and licence plate recognition to bolster real-time law enforcement responses. 'The private security industry outnumbers the police service 4:1. We are using that geographical footprint to increase the operational response and awareness of the SAPS,' said Paulse. He added that the Western Cape is 'the first province that has E2 controllers in all 6 policing districts.' Premier Winde reinforced the need to outpace criminals by embracing innovation. 'Criminals are using technology. We have to be one better than them.' Beyond tech solutions, Winde reiterated the importance of community involvement through neighbourhood watches and community policing forums. 'There is no doubt that residents who form or join NHWs know more about what is going on in their areas than anyone else, and they form essential partnerships with SAPS and municipal law enforcement,' he said. Paulse echoed this view, saying, 'We call it 'community-oriented policing'. That is what we are promoting.' Ahead of the digicon, Winde also chaired a meeting of the Western Cape Provincial Safety Council, where he welcomed a recent proposal by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to give metro law enforcement agencies more authority. 'This is a positive step forward, we must all be obsessed and driven by the same thing: to build a safer, prosperous province and country,' the Premier said. The council also received updates on the Safer City Collaboration Cooperation Agreement signed in August 2024, which is focused on strengthening intelligence-sharing and operational coordination between SAPS, provincial departments, and the City of Cape Town. Condemning recent taxi-related violence, Winde praised the swift and coordinated response. 'It is intolerable that disputes are 'negotiated' through the barrel of a gun. I want to commend all the role players, from provincial traffic and city law enforcement to SAPS and our officials, for the speed and coordination with which they responded to the violence and threats. You truly showed how powerful we can be when we work together.' IOL News
IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Extortion costs Western Cape economy nearly half a billion
During an anti-extortion summit, the Western Cape government heard of R400 million in stalled infrastructure projects. Image: File EXTORTION-related crimes are effectively 'strangling economic growth', with roughly R400 million worth of public infrastructure projects stalled in the province by the end of 2024 due to criminal interference, says Premier Alan Winde. He made the remarks during a recent high-level Anti-Extortion Summit attended by law enforcement agencies, business leaders, civil society, and multiple government departments in a bid to confront what officials described as a 'systemic and organised' campaign of criminality. The summit comes amid growing concern that extortion syndicates are paralysing infrastructure projects, intimidating communities, and undermining job creation. Winde told the gathering that extortion was no longer a shadow crime, but a direct threat to development, public services, and lives in the Western Cape. 'This is intolerable. We must recommit to working closer together to hit back at these criminals. One way in which we can do this is by giving provinces and municipalities more of a say in policing, adequately resourcing the SAPS in our province, with crime intelligence being significantly bolstered, and by properly capacitating the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA),' he said Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Anroux Marais said extortion has evolved into a serious economic and security crisis, threatening livelihoods, delaying service delivery, and destabilising entire sectors. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'Extortion is a direct threat to livelihoods, small businesses, infrastructure development, and public services. It undermines the rule of law, instills fear in communities, and leaves many of our residents despondent.' Some of the cases include gangs demanding 'protection fees' from construction companies, business owners, and even public transport operators. 'They are not just stealing money. They are stealing opportunities which are critical to economic participation and job creation,' said Marais. Winde said public-private cooperation would be crucial to dismantling extortion networks. A dedicated multi-sectoral structure will be formed to drive anti-extortion strategies across departments and agencies. Improved data-sharing and the enforcement of last year's Collaboration Agreement between the SAPS, the City of Cape Town, and the provincial government were also highlighted as immediate priorities. In the build-up to the summit, the Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety launched a province-wide survey to gather sector-specific insights into the nature and reach of extortion. The deadline for participation was extended to June 4 to ensure broader engagement.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Western Cape summit reveals extortion as a major threat to economic growth
During an anti-extortion summit, the Western Cape government heard of R400 million in stalled infrastructure projects. Image: File Extortion is no longer a shadow crime, but a direct threat to development, public services, and lives in the Western Cape. That was the warning from Premier Alan Winde and Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Anroux Marais during a high-level Anti-Extortion Summit held in Cape Town on Tuesday, June 17. Hosted by the Western Cape Government, the summit brought together law enforcement, business leaders, civil society, and multiple government departments in a bid to confront what officials described as a 'systemic and organised' campaign of criminality. It comes amid growing concern that extortion syndicates are paralysing infrastructure projects, intimidating communities, and undermining job creation. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Winde told the gathering that extortion has effectively 'strangled economic growth', with roughly R400 million worth of public infrastructure projects stalled in the province by the end of 2024 due to criminal interference. 'This is intolerable,' he said. 'We must recommit to working closer together to hit back at these criminals. One way in which we can do this is by giving provinces and municipalities more of a say in policing, adequately resourcing the SAPS in our province, with crime intelligence being significantly bolstered, and by properly capacitating the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).' Marais said extortion has evolved into a serious economic and security crisis, threatening livelihoods, delaying service delivery, and destabilising entire sectors. 'Extortion is a direct threat to livelihoods, small businesses, infrastructure development, and public services,' she said. 'It undermines the rule of law, instills fear in communities, and leaves many of our residents despondent.' The growing trend of gangs demanding 'protection fees' from construction companies, business owners, and even public transport operators has created an environment of fear. 'They are not just stealing money,' Marais added. 'They are stealing opportunities which are critical to economic participation and job creation.' The summit saw government and civil society stakeholders commit to a stronger, more coordinated response to organised extortion. A dedicated multi-sectoral structure will be formed to drive anti-extortion strategies across departments and agencies. Improved data-sharing and the enforcement of last year's Collaboration Agreement between the SAPS, the City of Cape Town, and the provincial government were also highlighted as immediate priorities. Premier Winde said public-private cooperation would be crucial to dismantling extortion networks. He also reiterated the Western Cape's longstanding call for policing powers to be devolved so that local government can respond more effectively to organised crime.
News24
13-06-2025
- Politics
- News24
Premier Winde extends helping hand as Eastern Cape floods claim at least 78 lives
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to visit Mthatha on Friday to assess damage after devastating floods. Hundreds of residents have been displaced in the town. Eastern Cape authorities continue to provide healthcare services and emergency assistance to affected communities. Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has extended a helping hand to his Eastern Cape counterpart, Oscar Mabuyane, after flooding claimed at least 78 lives. The deadly deluge, which hit Mthatha the hardest, has left hundreds of residents displaced and a trail of infrastructure damage. As the search for missing victims continues, President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to visit the area and assess the extent of damage on Friday. Winde wrote on his social media pages on Thursday night that he was heartbroken at the ongoing devastation and loss of life. 'Many of our own residents have friends and loved ones in harm's way, and our hearts go out to those who have been affected.' In his post, Winde said he had contacted Mabuyane to offer his and the Western Cape's condolences. 'I also reassured him that if they need any support or assistance with rescue efforts, we stand ready,' he wrote. Speaking to News24 on Thursday, Mabuyane confirmed a telephone conversation with Winde. 'Yes, we have been speaking,' Mabuyane said. Meanwhile, Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Ramaphosa's oversight visit would start at the flood-affected sites in the Decoligny and Slovo Park villages. The president would be accompanied by Cogta Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, Mabuyane and other senior government officials. 'President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sadness at the loss of lives and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, affected communities and Eastern Cape residents at large. 'The delegation will monitor progress on the response and will interact with affected communities on the government's support,' Magwenya said. Eastern Cape government spokesperson Khuselwa Rantjie said provincial authorities, working with municipalities and social partners, continued to provide essential services to affected residents. 'Primary healthcare services are being provided to displaced people, and emergency medical referrals are being coordinated where necessary,' said Rantjie.
IOL News
12-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Innovative Policing Key to Tackling Western Cape Crime Crisis
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde (left), President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu at a briefing on the launch of the Cooperation Agreement to Combat Crime held at Erica Park Sports Ground in Belhar, Cape Town on August 30, 2024. Image: GCIS Alan Winde In a recent article published in IOL, Mr. Benson Ngqentsu of the ANC and SACP delivered his analysis of the Western Cape's crime situation. Mr Ngqentsu accused 'international capitalist market forces' of ignoring the reality of the working class in the Western Cape, and claimed that crime in the Western Cape is the result of a transnational neoliberal capitalist effort to undermine the lived experience of our poorest residents. Ngqentsu's analysis was more concerned with ideological buzzwords than solutions for the residents he claims to fight for. In reality, the truth behind what causes crime, not just in the Western Cape but across South Africa, does not need a high-minded, philosophical explanation. Deliberate exclusion and underdevelopment of specific areas under apartheid, coupled with a stunted national economy and inadequate national government police resourcing have provided fertile ground for crime to thrive. His so-called 'analysis' of the situation was light on suggestions toward a solution and failed to take accountability for his own party's role in creating, and exacerbating, the situation we now face. It is important to remind readers, that the Constitution defines policing and prosecution as exclusive responsibilities of the national government. But because crime has such a dramatic impact on the daily lives of our residents the Western Cape Government is intervening where we can, and within that limited scope, we are making a difference. Over the past five years, this province, with our partners at both local government and community levels, has invested to demonstrate a new way of policing. Our LEAP and other municipal law enforcement initiatives have pioneered a technology-enabled, data-led model of policing far removed from the antiquated approach employed by national government-controlled SAPS. Our approach has had an impact on crime where deployed, with a recent study finding that our data-driven patrol model reduced contact crime five times as much as business-as-usual policing where it was deployed. These interventions have shown success with a comparatively limited budget and resources. Imagine what we could achieve if we were allocated more power and resources. Over the Medium-Term Economic Framework, the Western Cape Government will spend R3. 955 billion on safety – the most we can prioritise while maintaining our frontline services in health, education, and social development. However, the national SAPS budget currently stands at R133.4 billion. For context, the entire budget for the Western Cape Government – everything that this government does, including safety, education, healthcare, social development, and municipal support – is R89.316 billion for 2025/2026. Despite this, the national SAPS continues to struggle. Police-to-population ratios in parts of our province exceed 1:1000. We're short roughly 10,000 SAPS officers. Investigative and crime intelligence functions remain in disarray. And the gang kingpins profiting off the misery of our communities continue to evade justice. Mr Ngqentsu is correct in one respect: the root causes of crime are developmental. But here again, the ANC national government has consistently failed to act. For years, the ANC national government has consistently failed to provide the necessary powers and resources to properly resolve the issues of mobility that keep our working class geographically separated and economically excluded; they have failed to release large parcels of national government-owned land that we could use for well-located affordable housing; and they have consistently passed impractical legislation that does not fix the class divides in health and education, but deepen them. The GNU has brought a renewed will from the national government to work with us in solving these problems. But too many obstacles still stand in the way of growing our economy and creating the jobs and opportunities that remain the most effective, long-term solutions to crime. That is why here in the Western Cape we are forging ahead, despite constraints, with an unprecedented effort to grow the economy and create jobs – the only factor that can eliminate crime and its causes. With far more encouraging employment numbers than any other province by far, we are making progress. As leaders, we all have a responsibility to undo decades of systematic exclusion and underdevelopment that manifest in crime and social dysfunction. I urge Mr Ngqentsu to join us in that work. The time for theory has passed. Our residents need action. * Alan Winde is Premier of the Western Cape. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.
