President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a united, solutions-driven approach to tackling crime as he opened the 2025 Policing Summit, commending the Ministry of Police for convening the landmark gathering
Speaking to a diverse audience of law enforcement officials, civil society representatives, faith leaders, business stakeholders, and community members, the President emphasised that building a safer South Africa requires not only a strong police service but a whole-of-society effort.
“Safeguarding our nation’s safety and security requires that we are proactive, innovative and solutions-oriented,” said President Ramaphosa. “Crime is both a cause and a symptom of broader societal issues such as poverty, inequality, unemployment, and fractured family structures.”
Highlighting the police’s daily engagement with communities, the President underscored the need for officers to embody the Batho Pele principles—offering high service standards, ensuring equal access, and treating citizens with respect and dignity.
He stressed that crime prevention cannot exist in isolation from its root causes. “Addressing crime without understanding its root causes is like a doctor treating a patient for a fever without diagnosing the underlying illness.”
The summit, themed around a holistic approach to policing, brings together key sectors to strategise around collaborative interventions, from empowering communities and supporting Community Policing Forums (CPFs) to leveraging modern technology and data for crime analysis and prevention.
Ramaphosa acknowledged the complex environment in which the South African Police Service (SAPS) operates, referencing rising threats such as transnational organised crime, extortion, illegal mining, and infrastructure theft. Despite resource constraints, he praised SAPS for their continued successes in their operations.
“Even as the SAPS budget has increased over the past ten years, the number of police personnel has declined while the population continues to grow,” he said. “This calls for smarter use of existing resources, improved morale among officers, and restored public trust.”
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The President also championed greater community involvement, noting that citizens are the most potent resource in crime prevention. He called for actionable plans to increase community participation and encouraged partnerships with businesses, which have supported policing efforts through funding, resources, and technical assistance.
Data and technology featured prominently in his address, with Ramaphosa urging law enforcement to adopt data-driven strategies and digital platforms that enhance police visibility, intelligence gathering, and citizen engagement.
“From mobile apps to virtual reporting systems, we must improve how the public interacts with the police,” he said.
He further emphasised the need for deeper coordination among law enforcement agencies to tackle organised crime and reiterated the importance of rooting out corruption within SAPS.
“It is not enough to prosecute corrupt officers. We must instill a culture of integrity and professionalism within our police service,” Ramaphosa said, adding that reforms must also include improved recruitment, training, and career development for officers.
The President concluded with a strong call for implementation, stating: “This summit must produce a clear plan to address the systemic issues in policing. Government remains committed to turning the tide against crime and creating safer communities.”
