The City of Johannesburg’s Public Safety Department has officially launched its 2025 Festive Season Safety Campaign, an annual initiative aimed at reducing crime, road accidents, and by-law violations during the busy holiday period.
The campaign will run from December 1, 2025 to mid-January 2026.
The programme is led by MMC for Public Safety Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, together with Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Commissioner Patrick Jaca and Emergency Management Services (EMS) Chief Andries Macuvele.
Announcing the campaign on social media, Tshwaku said the city would intensify enforcement and visibility throughout December and early January.
“Public Safety is rolling out the Festive Season Safety Campaign, driving a decisive crackdown on lawlessness and strengthening city-wide compliance to protect residents during this peak period,” he said. “We will be visible everywhere - high-density patrols and roadblocks across every region, day and night.”
Tshwaku said officers would adopt a zero-tolerance approach to drinking and driving, failure to wear seatbelts, cellphone use behind the wheel, unroadworthy vehicles, and expired licences or discs.
“Compliance keeps us all safe,” he added.
He also confirmed that joint operations involving JMPD, EMS and other law-enforcement units would be intensified across all regions. Thousands of officers will be deployed for maximum visibility and rapid response, with 24/7 “smart roadblocks” where outstanding fines can be paid on-site.
“High-visibility operations are in full swing citywide. Zero tolerance for crime and road offences,” Tshwaku said.
In its official statement, the City of Johannesburg said the campaign aims to ensure a “safe, orderly, and enjoyable festive season” for both residents and visitors.
Jaca emphasised the urgency of the campaign, citing rising accident and violent crime figures.
“We are seeing very high numbers of accidents on our roads, and more people are being killed,” Jaca said. “More people are also losing their lives because of crime. Crime stats show an increase in incidents involving women, including GBV and rape. It is our job to make sure this does not continue and that we reduce these numbers.”
The city said the campaign will prioritise road safety, bylaw enforcement, rapid emergency response, and targeted crime-prevention operations across all regions.
Saturday Star