27 - 06 - 2025
Durban to Host CPTED Dialogue Aimed at Enhancing Urban Safety
eThekwini councillors have approved Durban as the host city for the upcoming Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) dialogue, in partnership with the African Forum on Urban Safety, scheduled for August at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre (ICC). This event is expected to attract mayors from various African nations.
The CPTED approach gained international recognition in the 1990s, introducing strategies such as target hardening to deter crime through physical, architectural, and infrastructural improvements. eThekwini Safer Cities has noted that advancements in urban design and integrated safety strategies have significantly enhanced the effectiveness of CPTED.
The dialogue aims to achieve several key objectives, including:
- Sharing case studies that highlight the benefits of CPTED approaches.
- Examining the financial impact on the city due to public infrastructure vandalism and theft, particularly when safety measures are not integrated from the outset.
- Promoting transversal design and communication strategies to combat infrastructure vandalism.
- Exploring innovative sanitation solutions for women as a critical safety metric.
- Mobilizing stakeholders to revitalize the African Forum on Urban Safety.
- Equipping city practitioners with the knowledge to incorporate safety into their operational processes.
The municipality views this dialogue as a vital step towards establishing sustainable safety programs and strategies that can be implemented locally and throughout Africa. Participants are expected to gain valuable insights into creating safe and inclusive urban environments.
During a recent council meeting, IFP councillor Petros Mbonambi expressed support for the initiative, emphasizing its potential to position eThekwini as a leader in crime prevention. He highlighted the necessity for a fresh approach to tackling crime and violence in the metro, suggesting that this initiative could significantly reduce crime rates.
EFF councillor Ncami Khawula underscored the importance of supporting Community Policing Forums (CPFs), advocating for their provision of equipment and protection from law enforcement, as they are often vulnerable volunteers on the front lines.
Zandile Myeni, deputy mayor of eThekwini and a National Freedom Party (NFP) councillor, noted the municipalitys recent appointment to organize the dialogue, which she believes will play a crucial role in the African diaspora. She mentioned the economic benefits that hosting the event could bring to the municipality.
