KwaZulu-Natal Premier Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli officially launched Safety Month and the Festive Season Safety Plan in Durban on Thursday, 30 October 2025, outlining the province’s comprehensive strategy to safeguard lives, property, and livelihoods during the upcoming festive period.
Promoting Safety and Economic Growth
In his address, Premier Ntuli noted that the festive season is both a time of joy and economic opportunity, with KwaZulu-Natal expected to welcome over two million visitors and generate R13 billion in economic activity.
He emphasised that the province’s tourism-driven economy depends on safe communities, secure roads, and law-abiding citizens, saying that prosperity and safety are inseparable.
“We cannot build a thriving tourism sector or sustain inclusive growth without ensuring that our communities, visitors, and roads are safe,” said Premier Ntuli.
The Premier reminded attendees that the festive period often brings increased risks of road crashes and crime, calling on all citizens to exercise responsibility and vigilance.
Strengthened Law Enforcement and Collaboration
Premier Ntuli announced the deployment of 24 515 law enforcement and emergency personnel across the province, including:
• 17 528 SAPS members
• 2 000 Metro Police officers
• 693 Road Traffic Inspectorate officers
• 1 912 Emergency Medical Services officials
• 134 SARS customs officers
• 1 167 Community Safety Volunteers
These teams will be strategically positioned at ports of entry, beaches, shopping centres, events, and major roads, ensuring visibility, rapid response, and safety throughout KwaZulu-Natal.
“The strength of our readiness lies not in numbers alone, but in the spirit of collaboration that binds government, law enforcement, and communities together,” said Premier Ntuli.
The integrated approach brings together municipalities, community policing structures, private security, and emergency services in a unified campaign to keep the province safe.
Broadening Tourism and Strengthening Local Economies
The Premier reaffirmed that Durban remains the flagship tourism destination, but highlighted the provincial strategy to expand tourism beyond the coastline to secondary cities and emerging towns such as Richards Bay, Port Shepstone, Newcastle, and Howick.
He explained that broadening the tourism map promotes inclusive economic participation, particularly among small enterprises, creative industries, and township economies.
“When residents and visitors feel safe, they stay longer, spend more, and invest deeper in our communities. Safety is an economic imperative,” the Premier said.
A Firm Stand Against Gender-Based Violence
Premier Ntuli made an impassioned appeal to the men of KwaZulu-Natal to take an active role in ending gender-based violence and femicide, which often escalate during the festive season.
“Let this festive season be a turning point,” he urged. “Rise to protect, not to harm. Every woman and every child deserves to celebrate safely and live without fear.”
He also called for the protection of the elderly and vulnerable, emphasising that homes and communities must remain sanctuaries of respect, compassion, and dignity.
A Call to Collective Responsibility
Premier Ntuli concluded with a call to action for all sectors of society — government, business, and communities — to uphold safety as a shared responsibility.
“Let this festive season be remembered not for tragedy, but for discipline, cooperation, and success,” he said. “Together, we can make this a season of safety, dignity, and growth for all the people of KwaZulu-Natal.”
The launch of Safety Month and the Festive Season Safety Plan reaffirmed the Provincial Government of Unity’s commitment to ensuring that KwaZulu-Natal remains a safe, welcoming, and prosperous destination for residents and visitors alike.