Crime levels in the Northern Cape are among the lowest in the world – even lower than Spain - making South Africa's biggest province one of the safest places to live.

Harry Dugmore, from the South African Presidency's Policy Co-ordination and Advisory Services, told delegates at the Governance Summer School for local government leaders in Somerset West, that the Northern Cape could compare with the safest countries in the world.

"Spain has the lowest crime level in the European Union, and the Northern Cape's crime levels are lower."

His statement was meet with cheers and clapping from Northern Cape local government leaders in the audience.

Dugmore went on to say that 75% of South Africa's crime was concentrated in two provinces, Gauteng and KwaZulu Natal, affecting 40% of the population.

"The biggest growth in crime in our country is against business, this is holding back our economy and pushing up unemployment."

Added to this was the growth of corruption, which was now the second most common crime in the country after housebreaking.

Renita Soodeyal, executive manager for housing with the Northern Cape's Department of Housing and Local Government, said the province should be held up as an example of "best practise" to the rest of the country.

"It's hats off the South African Police Services, they are vigilant and visible in the Northern Cape and this is paying off."

Kagisho Ositang, from the Gamagara Local Municipality near Kuruman, said he was "tremendously proud" to be from the Northern Cape after hearing Dugmore's statistics.

"It reinforces the idea that our province is a tranquil and spiritual place where people live more balanced lives," he said.

"I would say to stressed-out Jo'burgers that they should consider moving to the Northern Cape and that they should bring their ideas for new businesses with them. We want economic growth and investment."

Clement Itumeleng, also from Gamagara Local Municipality, said Dugmore's statement proved that although people were poor, they did not automatically resort to crime.

"It immediately made me think of a community like Pixley ka Sema (near Colesburg) where strong leadership and good co-ordination means social problems like housing are being dealt with properly."

Ositang also pointed out that Northern Cape people were not people who stood waiting for government hand-outs but were proactively found ways to earn their livings. - Carol Campbell

Readers' Comments
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Having been born and lived in the NC( Kuruman) for many years I agree with this article.

It is still one of the few provinces where you can still leave your car with the key in the ignition and still find it there. - Godfrey Kgosinyane

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