Dear Honourable Members of Parliament,

I am writing to bring to your attention a citizen-led petition titled “Make South Africa Safer: Demand Action, Not Another Statement”, launched in response to ongoing concerns about violent crime, gender-based violence and femicide, and the need for a stronger, more accountable public-safety system in South Africa.

The recent killings of women in and around Kempton Park and Ekurhuleni have once again highlighted the urgent need for meaningful action. As a citizen, I am deeply concerned about the recurring cycle in which tragic incidents generate public outrage and calls for change, yet the underlying challenges facing our public-safety institutions remain.

Through this petition, I am calling for "measurable and sustained action" to strengthen the country's ability to prevent violent crime, investigate murders and disappearances, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure accountability.

The petition calls for:

1. Stronger policing in high-risk areas: supported by appropriate staffing, visible patrols and evidence-based deployment.
2. Improved investigative and forensic capacity: including better resourcing for detectives, forensic services and evidence management.
3. A stronger national missing-person response: with improved coordination, reporting and investigation.
4. Responsible use of public-safety technology: including CCTV, body-worn cameras, crime mapping and digital investigative tools, with appropriate privacy safeguards.
5. Greater transparency and accountability: through regular public reporting on policing capacity, investigative performance, forensic backlogs and progress on public-safety commitments.
6. Adequate and accountable funding: supported by measurable targets, transparent reporting and effective oversight.

I respectfully request that you consider reviewing this petition and supporting its formal submission to Parliament, with the aim of bringing these concerns before the relevant parliamentary structures, particularly the Portfolio Committee on Police.

I would also appreciate your guidance on the appropriate parliamentary process, including any requirements for the petition to be formally considered and the possibility of a meeting to discuss its demands.

The petition is currently being circulated publicly to gather support and demonstrate the level of concern among South Africans. I believe that this public response, together with meaningful engagement with Parliament, can help move the conversation beyond awareness and towards practical, measurable action.

Petition link: https://c.org/yCtQWR2Qxk

Thank you for your time and consideration. I would welcome the opportunity to engage further and provide any additional information required.

Yours sincerely,

Safer South Africa Campaign
Campaign Coordinator