Municipality, SAPS and CPF Commit to Community Engagement on Immigration Concerns
Bitou Municipality joined the Community Policing Forum (CPF), the South African Police Service (SAPS), community leaders and various stakeholders at a stakeholder meeting aimed at addressing concerns around illegal immigration and its impact on local communities.
The meeting was attended by Executive Mayor Jessica Kamkam, Councillor Sam Mangxaba, Acting Municipal Manager Roderick Williams and Acting Director of Community Services Andile Sakati.
The engagement provided a platform for community representatives and stakeholders to raise concerns and discuss challenges being experienced across the Bitou municipal area. During the meeting, the CPF emphasised the importance of maintaining a solution-driven approach while encouraging calm and rejecting any form of hatred, discrimination or unlawful action.
Stakeholders acknowledged that immigration is a national issue that requires coordinated intervention and collaboration from relevant government departments and role players.
As a way forward, Bitou Municipality and SAPS committed to bringing additional stakeholders on board and conducting ward-based community engagements throughout Bitou. These engagements will provide residents with opportunities to participate in constructive dialogue, ensure concerns are addressed through lawful processes, and support collaborative efforts to strengthen community safety and social cohesion.
The Municipality reiterated its commitment to working alongside communities, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to find practical solutions that contribute to safer and more inclusive communities across Bitou.
Source: Executive Mayor, Bitou Municipality
Issued by Jessica Kamkam, Executive Mayor of Bitou Municipality.
