By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
10 May 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, welcomes the announcement of the initiation of discussions between the Ministers of Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) on how the DPWI can better support the police. Cameron said the initiation of interactions on a ministerial level is critical as it positively responds to recommendations by the portfolio committee that the DPWI provides enhanced support to SAPS.
He further said this was based on the deplorable conditions that members are exposed to at station level, which negatively impacts the overall morale and appetite to combat crime. Cameron added that, is cognisant of fiscal challenges currently facing all government departments, but remains of the view that there are low-hanging fruits that the DPWI can address to improve working conditions of SAPS.
“For example, the issue of maintenance is crucial and the removal of bureaucratic impediments that delay implementation should be resolved. Also, we highlighted the need for better project management in development projects for police stations.
“For example, it is unacceptable that building a police station takes 12 years, similar to the delays experienced in Vuwani, Limpopo. While we acknowledged the meeting as instructive, we emphasised that what is needed is the actual implementation of resolutions that arise out of the engagement,” said Cameron.
He said the implementation has always been a drawback in South Africa and they hope that this engagement will lead to faster implementation of interventions. Camerona said the committee will await tangible and actionable plans on how the DPWI will improve its services to the SAPS to enable the committee to monitor implementation.
The Guardian 