Geordin Hill-Lewis has warned that crime in South Africa has reached crisis levels, saying millions of citizens no longer feel safe in their homes, businesses, schools, and communities.
Speaking during the Democratic Alliance’s Limpopo provincial congress in Polokwane, the DA leader delivered a strong message on the country’s growing safety concerns, poor governance, and economic struggles. Hill-Lewis argued that South Africans cannot experience true freedom while living under constant fear of crime and insecurity.
The congress brought together party members and supporters from across Limpopo as the opposition party outlined its vision for tackling some of the province’s biggest challenges, including failing municipalities, poor service delivery, unemployment, and rising criminal activity.
Hill-Lewis Promises Tougher Fight Against Crime
During his keynote address, Geordin Hill-Lewis said many South Africans feel abandoned by government institutions that have failed to provide basic safety and protection.
He stressed that crime is not only affecting large cities but also smaller towns and rural communities where residents increasingly fear violent attacks, theft, and lawlessness.
According to Hill-Lewis, South Africans deserve to live without fear and should be able to move freely in their communities without constantly worrying about their safety.
He argued that the country’s crime crisis has damaged economic growth, weakened investor confidence, and destroyed opportunities for ordinary citizens trying to build better lives.
“South Africans cannot be truly free if they do not feel safe in their homes, schools and businesses,” he said while addressing delegates at the congress.
Hill-Lewis added that communities across Limpopo have repeatedly raised concerns about rising crime levels, slow police responses, and inadequate resources to fight criminal activity.
Democratic Alliance leader Geordin Hill-Lewis said the party wants to position itself as a leading force in the battle against crime in South Africa.
He explained that the DA aims to introduce practical solutions that will improve policing, strengthen law enforcement, and restore public trust in the justice system.
Hill-Lewis said the opposition party believes safer communities are essential for economic development and social stability. He argued that businesses cannot grow and create jobs in environments where criminal activity is widespread and uncontrolled.
“I want the DA to be the party with the best ideas and the party that is leading in the fight against crime in South Africa,” Hill-Lewis told delegates.
He also said the party is committed to restoring dignity and creating economic opportunities for residents across Limpopo, where unemployment and poverty remain major concerns.
The DA leader stressed that communities should not have to rely on private security or vigilante groups because of failures within state policing structures. Instead, he called for better coordination between law enforcement agencies, local governments, and community organisations.
Beyond crime, Geordin Hill-Lewis also criticised what he described as collapsing municipalities and poor service delivery in several parts of Limpopo.
He pointed to ongoing problems such as unreliable water supply, deteriorating infrastructure, electricity disruptions, and poor road conditions as examples of governance failures affecting daily life.
Hill-Lewis said many residents feel frustrated because basic municipal services continue to decline despite repeated promises from government leaders.
He argued that effective local government is critical to improving public safety and economic development. According to Hill-Lewis, municipalities that fail to deliver essential services often create conditions where crime and social instability can flourish.
The DA leader also highlighted the importance of attracting investment to the province, saying businesses are unlikely to invest in areas where infrastructure is poor and safety concerns remain high.
The Limpopo provincial congress comes at a time when the Democratic Alliance is working to strengthen its support base ahead of future elections.
Geordin Hill-Lewis used the event to position the party as an alternative capable of addressing the country’s growing social and economic problems.
His speech focused heavily on accountability, public safety, and the need for stronger leadership at both local and national level.
Hill-Lewis maintained that South Africans are demanding practical solutions rather than political promises, particularly on issues such as crime, unemployment, and service delivery failures.
As concerns over public safety continue to dominate national discussions, the DA leader said his party is prepared to intensify its campaign for safer communities and stronger governance across the country.
For many South Africans, Hill-Lewis argued, freedom will remain incomplete until citizens can live and work without fear.
