BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MATSAPHA– Public safety has emerged as a major concern in Matsapha, with a call for CCTV cameras to be installed across the town to strengthen crime prevention, monitoring and response.
The call was made by Officer Bheki Masilela during a stakeholder consultation held at the Matsapha Town Council on Friday, September 25, 2026, where residents, businesses and other stakeholders shared concerns and priorities ahead of the council’s 2027/28 financial year budget.
“We need CCTV cameras installed across Matsapha to strengthen crime prevention and monitoring,” Masilela said.
Masilela raised concern over the reported increase in criminal activity in the town, saying improved surveillance could assist authorities in monitoring public spaces and responding to incidents.
He said CCTV cameras could provide authorities with an additional mechanism for observing activity in key areas, potentially strengthening efforts to detect and respond to criminal activity.
Masilela’s proposal puts technology-based surveillance on the agenda as Matsapha stakeholders discuss measures that could improve security and service delivery in the town.
The call comes as residents, businesses and other stakeholders continue to rely on Matsapha as an important place for work, business, services and daily activities.
For Masilela, stronger surveillance would provide authorities with greater visibility across the town and could complement existing measures aimed at preventing crime.
He said the installation of CCTV cameras should be considered as part of the town’s broader response to security concerns, particularly in areas where increased monitoring may be required.
The stakeholder consultation also provided a platform for the community and businesses to communicate their needs directly to the Matsapha Town Council.
The engagement forms part of preparations for the 2027/28 financial year budget, giving stakeholders an opportunity to raise issues that could influence the council’s spending and service-delivery priorities.
Residents and businesses were able to identify concerns affecting their daily activities and propose interventions that could contribute to the development and safety of Matsapha.
The CCTV proposal therefore comes at a significant stage in the council’s planning process, as priorities raised by stakeholders are considered for inclusion in future plans.
Public safety is particularly important in a busy town such as Matsapha, where residents, workers, businesses and visitors interact daily.
The proposed surveillance system could, if adopted and implemented, give authorities another tool for monitoring activity and supporting crime-prevention efforts.
The consultation also highlighted the importance of continued engagement between the local authority and the community when determining development and service-delivery priorities.
As Matsapha prepares its 2027/28 budget, Masilela’s call has placed CCTV surveillance firmly among the security measures requiring consideration, while the wider stakeholder engagement continues to shape the town’s priorities for the coming financial year.
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(Courtesy Pic)
