A strategic intervention led by the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber’s Safety and Security Task Team has resulted in the donation of vital equipment to the South African Police Service’s District Operational Command Centre (DOCC) in Nelson Mandela Bay, which will boost the region’s ability to respond to issues of safety and security.
Following extensive lobbying and coordination efforts by the Task Team, stakeholders, including Agri Eastern Cape and Internet Service Provider, Axxess, have stepped forward with critical contributions: a laptop and cellphone donated by Agri EC, and a MiFi device with a monthly Capped LTE service donated by Axxess.
These tools will now enable the SAPS DOCC to access real-time crime alerts through the Eyes to Ears (E2) Initiative – a secure, encrypted communication system that integrates law enforcement and private security responses via Telegram.
This collaborative intervention emerged from the Task Team’s Centralised Control Room Action Forum, which identified the need for a dedicated, district level operational command centre in Nelson Mandela Bay to streamline and localise responses to security threats.
Denise van Huyssteen, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, said, “This is a clear example of how collaboration between business and civil society can result in practical, high-impact solutions to serious local challenges. By facilitating partnerships that deliver real support to law enforcement, we’re strengthening the city’s capacity to fight crime and restore confidence in public safety.”
The E2 Initiative, implemented in the Bay by Business Against Crime South Africa (BACSA), consolidates private security control rooms into one district-level hub. It enhances situational awareness by providing real-time alerts based on Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) data and other key crime indicators, including protest activity. This initiative ensures that the metro receives only relevant alerts, filtering out the noise of national-level reports.
Although SAPS is ideally positioned to lead the E2 Initiative locally, its ability to do so has been hampered by a lack of basic resources. In response, Agri EC has stepped in to temporarily house and operate the Centralised Control Room until SAPS can fully assume responsibility.
Commenting on the initiative, Brent McNamara, the Managing Director of Agri EC, said, “We understood the urgency of making this initiative work on the ground. By stepping in now, we’re ensuring that valuable crime intelligence doesn’t go to waste while SAPS ramps up its capacity. It’s a matter of protecting livelihoods, businesses and communities.”
“Axxess is incredibly proud to support the SAPS District Operational Command Centre with an internet connection that enables them to continue the vital work they do in keeping our communities safe,” said Dale Moulton, Chief Revenue Officer at Axxess.
“This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to making a meaningful impact where it matters most. We are equally proud to collaborate with the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, whose efforts were instrumental in bringing this initiative to life., Moulton added.
Colonel Connie van Niekerk, Head of the SAPS DOCC, highlighted that they were grateful for the support. “These resources will allow us to plug into a broader network of crime intelligence and respond more effectively. It’s encouraging to see the private sector actively supporting public safety.”
