KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, officially launched the Ayihlale Phansi Ibambe Umthetho Programme during the Hostel Cleansing Ceremony held at Buyafuthi Hostel in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, on Saturday, 25 July 2026.

Premier Ntuli was accompanied by the Director-General of KwaZulu-Natal, Ms Nokuthula Khanyile, and the Acting Head of Department for Community Safety and Liaison, Ms Funi Makhanya.

The Hostel Cleansing Ceremony was a joint initiative between the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government and the Gauteng Provincial Government, aimed at promoting peace, safety, stability and social cohesion within hostel communities.

The programme seeks to restore the values of ubuntu, reconciliation, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among hostel residents, while strengthening partnerships between government, traditional leadership, law enforcement agencies, community safety structures and residents.

During the launch, Premier Ntuli announced uMtwan’ uKinobho as the Coordinator of the Ayihlale Phansi Ibambe Umthetho Programme. The programme will be commemorated annually during the month of July.

Premier Ntuli said the initiative is a call to action for communities to reject criminality, uphold the rule of law and work together to build safer and more united communities.

The Premier emphasised that hostels must be reclaimed as safe places to live, where residents are able to coexist peacefully and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities.

He further noted that the fight against crime and instability cannot be won by government alone, but requires active participation from communities, traditional leaders, law enforcement and all social partners.

The launch of Ayihlale Phansi Ibambe Umthetho forms part of broader efforts to strengthen crime prevention, restore dignity, promote social cohesion and ensure that communities work collectively towards peace and stability.

Premier Ntuli reaffirmed the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government’s commitment to working with the Gauteng Provincial Government and other stakeholders in advancing programmes that promote the rule of law, unity, safety and responsible citizenship.

The Hostel Cleansing Ceremony served as a symbolic and practical intervention to encourage healing, reconciliation and renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence among hostel residents.