In a concerted effort to tackle rising crime rates in the Gauteng province, the Gauteng Department of e-Government and the Department of Community Safety held a significant event at Boitumelo Secondary School on Thursday. The launch of the Gauteng e-Panic Button, coupled with a Crime Imbizo, brought together community members, local leaders, and government officials to devise strategies to fight crime.
The e-Panic Button is an innovative technological solution designed to enhance the safety of Gauteng residents. It allows users to instantly alert emergency services and law enforcement at the touch of a button, ensuring rapid response in times of distress. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to leverage technology in crime prevention and ensure the safety of citizens.
Since April 2023, the Gauteng e-Panic Button pilot project has seen an impressive 8,000 downloads, primarily by nurses and teachers, and moving forward, 100,000 physical panic buttons will be distributed to the public, while residents with smartphones can now conveniently download the app from the App Store and Google Play Store.
Speaking at the event, MEC for the Gauteng Department of e-Government and COGTA, Mzi Khumalo, emphasized the importance of community involvement and technological advancement in combating crime.
“The Gauteng e-Panic Button is more than just a piece of technology; it is a symbol of our commitment to protect our citizens. By empowering communities with such tools, we are fostering a collaborative approach to safety and security,” said Khumalo.
MEC for the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko, echoed Khumalo’s sentiments and highlighted the critical role of community participation.
“Safety is a shared responsibility. We need the community to be actively involved in these initiatives, to be the eyes and ears on the ground. The e-Panic Button is a crucial step forward, but its success depends on the community’s engagement and trust,” Mazibuko stated.
During the Crime Imbizo, community members had the opportunity to voice their concerns and suggest solutions to the crime challenges they face daily. Many expressed hope and support for the new initiative, seeing it as a practical step towards enhancing their safety.
One local resident, Popy Mashiya, who works as ambassador against Gender-Based Violence in the area shared her thoughts on the e-Panic Button: “This tool gives us a direct line to help when we need it most. It’s reassuring to know that help is just a button press away. I think every household should have it.”
Another female resident Sindiso Queen, highlighted the importance of feeling secure in one’s own neighborhood.
“We all deserve to feel safe where we live. The e-Panic Button is a great idea, but we also need to work together as a community to watch out for each other and report suspicious activities.”
The launch event and Crime Imbizo underscored the importance of collaboration between the government and the community in addressing crime. The Gauteng e-Panic Button is set to be rolled out across the province, with training sessions planned to ensure residents know how to effectively use the tool.
As Gauteng continues to grapple with crime, initiatives like the e-Panic Button and community-centric events such as the Crime Imbizo are vital steps toward creating a safer environment for all. The provincial government remains committed to supporting and protecting its citizens through innovative solutions and active community engagement.
SOURCED FROM GPG WEBSITE.
