DURBAN – KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli said the renewal of Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s contract as provincial commissioner was a necessary step in the province’s fight against crime.
Mkhwanazi’s term, which was set to end of 31 March has been renewed for another five years.
“I felt the continuity was necessary in the continued fight against crime,” Ntuli said.
“It’s what we wanted to see happening. The leadership in the police in KZN has seen crime stats declining in the number of categories. We are working well with the provincial commissioner and the police including the various safety structures.”
He said the combined efforts were starting to bear fruits with investor confidence in the province on an upward trajectory.
“The police in the province are helping the community to feel safe. When they fight crime, they do not only fight crime outside of the police, even inside the police. We are confident with the role they have played.”
Among the key priorities Mkhwanazi will be focusing on, Ntuli said political killings, gender-based violence and drugs will take precedence.
“If we can be able to conquer those as priority areas, we will be able to say we have a province that is an enabler to the growth of the economy and job opportunities.”
Accepting the renewal of his contract, Mkwanazi said it was not an easy decision as he had agreed with his family to only serve one term.
“The plan was to go on holiday from 1 April, but when the National Commissioner emphasised the importance of service to the people of South Africa, especially residence of KwaZulu-Natal, I reconsidered and made myself available to be of service to the nation.”
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He said he was expecting nothing less than full cooperation and support.
“The goals remain the same; to reduce crime, to attain a Clean Audit and ensure that our clients are satisfied with our service to them,” Mkhwanazi said.