Portfolio Head for Public Safety and Emergency Services Councillor Amanda Mnyute urged municipal officials to take good care of the new vehicles and not misuse municipal assets in any way, but must use them to assist communities in responding to service delivery issues. At the handover Executive Mayor Faku said: “It gives me great pleasure to join you here today as we continue our build-up to the official launch of our Safer Festive Season Campaign, scheduled for 28 November 2025.”
“The ceremony marks yet another sig-nificant milestone in our collective ef-fort to strengthen public safety and ensure that the people of Buffalo City Metro-politan Municipality, residents and visi-tors enjoy a peaceful and secure festive season” added Faku. She highlighted that the Metro is proud to hand over six new police vans to the Law Enforcement and Traffic Services, representing an investment of R3.3 million. “These vehicles are not just tools of trade, they are instruments that will enhance our officers’ ability to serve, protect, and respond swiftly to the needs of our communities.”
These vans will be an addition to fleet that was purchased two years ago. “In October 2023, we handed over seven high-speed GTIs to our Law Enforcement and Traffic Services at a cost of R7 million, strengthening our road safety and response capabilities.” “Today, we are building on that com-mitment. Additionally, R4.8 million was approved for the 2025/26 financial year to replace decommissioned and auctioned law enforcement vehicles as this reduced our operational fleet,” Faku added. “These investments form part of a de-liberate and sustainable plan to improve the operational efficiency of our Public Safety and Protection Services, encompassing by-law enforcement, traffic management, and crime prevention throughout the Metro.” Each year, the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality sets aside a dedicated budget for the procurement of vehicles and equipment for our law enforce-ment and security units. Furthermore Executive Mayor Faku emphasised, “This is not merely an investment in assets, it is an investment in the safety, security and well-being of our people. We recognise the critical role played by our law enforcement officers in maintaining peace and order in our communities.
Their visibility on our streets, their quick response to incidents, and their unwavering commitment to duty are what give life to our vision of creating a safe, caring, and inclusive City.” She also had a few words for the officers receiving the vehicles. “With these resources comes great responsibility. Use them wisely and with integrity. Serve our communities with pride and professionalism and let these vehicles symbolize our shared duty to protect and serve the people of Buffalo City.”
In closing off, she said, ”Let us continue to build a City that is not only beautiful, but also secure, a City that stands as a beacon of progress, unity, and hope. I extend my deepest gratitude to all our law enforcement officers for their dedication and service. This administration remains committed to providing the necessary tools and resources to support your important work.”
“Together we can and will make Buffalo City safer for all.” The launch took place at the East London Esplanade.