SONA crime promises spark fresh doubts over real reform

Following the President's State of the Nation Address, questions are mounting about whether government action matches the scale of South Africa’s crime crisis.

President Cyril Ramaphosa noted several crime interventions, including SANDF deployments and law enforcement operations, but critics argue the approach is nothing new.

Associate Editor at Daily Maverick, Marianne Merten, says despite the rhetoric, there is little evidence of the urgency or political will needed to tackle the country's crime epidemic effectively.

"What was touted as something new and something visible in the fight against crime actually really isn't."

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The military deployment is repacking old measures, says Merten, while beefing up law enforcement operations is simply acting on systems already in place.

"Deploying the troops might give communities a respite, but it doesn't change the fundamental dynamics that need to be addressed if one wants to make a real, meaningful impact in the fight against crime.

One of the key things preventing that fundamental change, says Merten, is that people do not trust the police.

"And we know that from a series of public opinion surveys."

To listen to Merten in conversation with 702's Bongani Bingwa, use the audio player below: