Eastern Cape Department of Community Safety

23/10/2026

MEC NQATHA LAUNCHES 2026 SAFER SEASON OPERATION IN NGANGELIZWE

The Eastern Cape MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Mr Xolile Nqatha, officially launched the 2026 Provincial Safer Season Campaign at Rotary Stadium in Ngangelizwe, OR Tambo District, on 23 October 2026.

Held in partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Community Safety, led by HOD Mr Phiko Frank Mbambo and his delegation, the launch placed the South African Police Service (SAPS) at the forefront of the province’s festive season crime prevention efforts.

SAPS showcased its specialised units and tactical teams, demonstrating the capabilities and resources that will be deployed to combat crime, enhance police visibility and protect communities during the festive season.

Under the theme “MUSA UKUTHULA KUSONAKALA,” residents are urged to break the silence, report criminal activities and work hand in hand with law enforcement to build safer communities.

23/10/2026

MEC for Transport and Community Safety Honorable Xolile Nqatha is currently delivering a key note address during the official Launch of Safety Month and Launch of Safer Festive Season held at Rotary Stadium in Mthatha

23/10/2026

22/10/2026

LAUNCH OF THE SAFER FESTIVE SEASON CAMPAIGN AND SAFETY MONTH.

The MEC for Transport and Community Safety will officially launch the Safer Festive Season Campaign and Safety Month at Rotary Stadium in Mthatha.

The campaign aims to promote road safety, enhance community safety, and encourage responsible behaviour as communities prepare for the festive season.

Let us work together to make our roads safer, protect our communities, and ensure a peaceful and safe festive season for all.

16/10/2026

WELLNESS WITH A TWIST: AMATHOLE AND BUFFALO CITY STAFF LEARN, LAUGH AND LET LOOSE

16 October 2026
By Yonela Mtsekana

Workplace wellness took a refreshing turn as the Eastern Cape Department of Community Safety’s Employee Wellness Office hosted a fun-filled Wellness Day for Amathole and Buffalo City district employees in KuGompo City today.

Facilitated by Assistant Director: Wellness, Mr Akhona Nguta, the session tackled important topics such as psychological safety, professional conduct, workplace dress code, respect, boundaries, gossip, self-love and, above all, caring for one another.

This was no ordinary sit and listen session, staff got moving through physical exercises, indigenous games, group discussions and interactive presentations, proving that learning about a healthier workplace can be both meaningful and enjoyable.

Welcoming the programme, District Director Ms Miranda Sinqotho expressed excitement about the initiative, noting that it was the first of its kind in the District in several years. She encouraged colleagues to embrace the opportunity, participate freely and take valuable lessons back into their daily lives.

Through lively discussions and shared experiences, participants explored how respect, healthy boundaries and professional behaviour contribute to safer, happier and more supportive working relationships.

16/10/2026

HOD CONDUCTS UNANNOUNCED VISIT TO PATERSON POLICE STATION
Date: 15 October 2026
By: Communications and Marketing Unit

The Head of Department (HoD) of the Eastern Cape Department of Community Safety, Mr Phiko Frank Mbambo, conducted an unannounced visit to Paterson Police Station in the Sarah Baartman District on 15 October 2026 to strengthen police oversight, monitor progress on previous recommendations, and support improved policing service delivery.

He was accompanied by Chief Director for Civilian Oversight, Ms Ayanda Xongwana; Chief Director for Community Policing and Partnership,Mr Andile Mankayi; and district personnel led by District Director Ms Nonyaniso Njwambe.

The visit provided an opportunity to engage with station management, assess operational challenges, and identify areas requiring intervention. Mr Mbambo emphasised the importance of listening to management, reviewing progress on previous recommendations, and facilitating solutions to challenges affecting service delivery.

Station management reported staff shortages following promotions and retirements, as well as limited operational vehicles. Of the seven vehicles allocated to the station, only three were operational, while four were at the garage awaiting repairs. These constraints affect the station’s ability to respond to complaints, conduct patrols, and attend to incidents within its policing precinct.

The most pressing concern was the lack of running water. Management explained that the station relies on a borehole, but its water pump had been stolen. The Department of Public Works had reportedly indicated that it lacked the budget to replace the pump, estimated to cost approximately R500,000.

The water shortage affects daily operations, including the conditions under which suspects are detained. Previously provided water tanks were also reportedly blown away by strong winds. These challenges highlight the urgent need for interdepartmental collaboration to restore water supply and improve working conditions at the station.

Management described police-community relations as variable, depending on prevailing circumstances, while reporting good working relations with prosecutors. It was further indicated that no government departments have permanent offices in Paterson.

The Department of Social Development and the Department of Home Affairs provided services on designated days, alongside a few non-governmental organisations operating in the area.

Concerns were also raised about some taverns allegedly failing to observe prescribed closing times. Management partly attributed this to the absence of municipal by-laws governing the matter, highlighting the need for engagement with the municipality and relevant stakeholders to address regulatory challenges and promote community safety.

In response, Mr Mbambo committed to escalating the identified challenges to the heads of department of relevant provincial departments, including the Department of Public Works, to explore possible interventions. Replacing the stolen water pump will receive particular attention, given its importance to restoring normal operations at the station.

Through continued engagement, monitoring, and follow-up on previous recommendations, the Department aims to improve policing service delivery and contribute to safer communities across the Eastern Cape.

15/10/2026

BREAKING THE SILENCE: MEN ENCOURAGED TO TALK, HEAL AND SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER

By Mr Phindile Vuso

The Eastern Cape Department of Community Safety, through its Office of Wellness, held a Men’s Debriefing Session on 13 October 2026 under the theme “Unpacking the ‘Indoda Ayikhali’ Belief.”

Led by Assistant Director: Wellness, Mr Akhona Nguta, the session offered men a safe and confidential platform to openly engage on emotional wellbeing, personal challenges and the importance of seeking support. It also promoted brotherhood, psychological safety, healthy masculinity and emotional intelligence.

Participants were introduced to the “5 Levels of Why” Root Cause Analysis, which encouraged men to ask “why” repeatedly, moving from the visible incident through the immediate trigger, workplace environment and personal baggage, until they reach the deeper core wound that may be driving their emotions, reactions or behaviour.

Setting the tone was Reverend Thando Ngwekazi, founder of Latter Glory Christian Centre and Ndibize Foundation, who delivered a powerful message on healing, responsible fatherhood and confronting unresolved pain.

Reverend Ngwekazi encouraged men to be present and nurturing fathers, reminding them that they can become the examples they may have missed in their own childhoods. He urged men not to allow divorce, hardship or brokenness to define them, but to express their pain, seek help and draw strength from trusted support systems and faith.

He further called on men to pay closer attention to the emotional needs of their spouses, children and families, take responsibility for repairing relationships and make healthier life choices.

Challenging the long-held “Indoda ayikhali” belief, Ngwekazi acknowledged that it was traditionally intended to instil strength in men, but cautioned against allowing it to silence their pain.

The session reinforced a powerful message: speaking up is not weakness, asking for help is strength, and healing begins with honest conversation.

Let’s Talk. Let’s Heal. Let’s Support.

15/10/2026

A SAFE SPACE TO SPEAK, GROW AND THRIVE: DoCS EMPOWERS INTERNS AND WIL LEARNERS

15 October 2026

The Eastern Cape Department of Community Safety’s Employee Wellness Office hosted an empowering psychological safety workshop for interns and Work Integrated Learners (WIL) learners at the Provincial Office in Bhisho today.

Facilitated by Assistant Director: Wellness, Mr Akhona Nguta, the session encouraged young people to ask for help, seek guidance and acknowledge challenges without fear of judgement or humiliation.

Participants openly discussed workplace experiences, including dress code expectations, comparisons among interns and the importance of respectful communication amongst colleagues of all levels. The conversations reinforced a powerful message of professionalism and accountability matter, but so does empathy, dignity and understanding.

Through group discussions and presentations, participants reflected on their workplace experiences, the importance of psychological safety and the role of professional conduct in building healthy working relationships.

The session created an opportunity for young people to share their concerns, learn from one another and recognise that everyone has a role to play in creating a positive workplace.

By creating space for honest conversations, the Department continues to promote a culture where young professionals can learn, grow and contribute with confidence.

14/10/2026

PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY TRAINING – HEAD OFFICE INTERNS & WILs

Employee Health & Wellness invites all Head Office Interns and WILs to attend a Psychological Safety Training Session.

The session aims to promote a safe, respectful and supportive workplace where employees feel comfortable speaking up, asking questions, sharing ideas, learning from mistakes and seeking support without fear of embarrassment or unfair judgement.

Please refer to the attached poster for more details.

07/10/2026

MEC NQATHA PAYS COMPASSIONATE VISIT TO FAMILY OF LATE CONSTABLE NTLAHLA TYHALI

07 October 2026

MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Hon. Xolile Nqatha, today visited the family of the late Constable Ntlahla Tyhali in Elundini to convey heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Eastern Cape Provincial Government.

The MEC was accompanied by OR Tambo District Commissioner, Major General K Modishana, Director Mr Dumani Zozo, and Cllr Thozama May representing the Mayor of Elundini Local Municipality.

Constable Tyhali is remembered for his bravery and dedicated service to the Mthatha community, where his work helped restore peace and allowed businesses that had closed due to crime and extortion to reopen.

In his message, MEC Nqatha said: "Constable Tyhali served with patriotism and selflessness. His positive impact on the community speaks volumes about his commitment to protecting our people."

He is survived by his parents, his twin sister and the wider Tyhali family.

Tambo