'In memory of Sheldean Human'
09/03/2007 21:11  - (SA)  

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Pretoria - In Sheldean Human's memory, South Africans should take initiatives to reclaim the security of their homes and communities, said Tshwane mayor Gwen Ramakgopa at her State of the City address in Pretoria on Friday.

"Only criminals will thrive if we point fingers at each other and at our leaders. Times like these call for us to close ranks against a common enemy, crime," she said.

Seven-year-old Sheldean was murdered, allegedly by 25-year-old family friend Andrew Jordaan. People across the country have voiced their outrage at the murder, with some calling for the death penalty to be reinstated.

Ramakgopa commended police for their speedy investigation in the case.

She said the policies of the government did not promote crime as there were many success stories about battling crime.

The mayor has instructed Tshwane metro police to develop a co-ordinated strategy to implement the safer city policy effectively.

The strategy will involve a co-ordinated effort between community policing, sector policing and the ward committee system, she said.

The capacity of metro police to enforce by-laws will be beefed up.

"As we rally around the Human family, let us sent a clear message of zero tolerance to crime even when our own families and friends are involved, let us offer them a chance for rehabilitation," Ramakgopa said.

According to Statistics SA, the economy of Tshwane increased by a preliminary estimate of 5%, which Ramakgopa said was worth celebrating.

The increase led to a reduction in unemployment from approximately 19.9% in 2005 to 18.4% last year.

Healthwise, Ramakgopa said the cure rate of tuberculosis (TB) remained a problem, although the rate of identifying cases had improved.

"No cases of XDR-TB (extensively drug resistant TB) have been identified in the Tshwane region. Nevertheless, we are calling upon our residents to take precautionary measures," she said.

The municipality, in partnership with the Gauteng provincial government, has set aside R2.6m for programmes battling HIV/Aids and for assisting disabled people.

On a lighter note, the mayor wished the South African cricket team good luck in the Cricket World Cup currently underway in Jamaica.

"Good luck guys - come back home with the trophy," she said.