On Tuesday, 8 April 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa officially opened the inaugural National Policing Summit at the Emperors Palace Convention Centre in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. The summit, themed “Efficiency in Action: Optimising South Africa’s Policing Potential,” seeks to address the nation’s high crime rates by evaluating and improving current policing methodologies.
The three-day event aligns with Chapter 12 of the National Development Plan (NDP), which focuses on building safer communities. It brings together experts and practitioners to share insights, develop innovative solutions, and establish networks aimed at advancing social justice.
According to the Presidency, the summit will concentrate on four primary themes:
- Proven Policing Strategies:
- Examining tactics that have successfully reduced crime and enhanced community safety.
- Adaptation to Modern Policing Dynamics:
- Addressing the evolving nature of crime and the need for adaptive policing methods.
- Technological Transformation:
- Exploring the role of technology in modern policing, including investigation and intelligence operations.
- Building a Skilled Workforce:
- Focusing on the development of a professional and capable police force.
The summit aims to foster engagement with various stakeholders, learn from best practices, and discuss innovative approaches to law enforcement. President Ramaphosa’s address emphasized the critical need for reform in the South African Police Service (SAPS) to effectively combat crime and ensure public safety.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to achieving the 2030 NDP objectives by enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of SAPS. The outcomes of the summit are expected to contribute significantly to the development of more robust and responsive policing strategies in South Africa.
