EAST LONDON– The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality(BCMM) is gearing up for a safe and vibrant festive season following the handover of six brand-new law enforcement vehicles to the Department of Safety. The official ceremony took place on 05 November 2025 at the East London beachfront Esplanade.
Valued at R3,3 million, the new fleet is expected to strengthen the municipality’s ability to patrol, respond to emergencies and ensure public safety across the city.
BCMM Executive Mayor Princess Faku said the vehicles will enhance visibility and efficiency during the upcoming festive period, when East London typically welcomes an influx of visitors.
Border Kei Chamber of Business (BKCOB) Executive Director Lizelle Maurice commended the municipality for investing in public safety, describing it as a step towards responsive and visible governance. “These vehicles are a promise to keep our city safe as the festive season approaches. Safe cities attract more tourists, making Buffalo City more marketable as a destination,”Maurice said.
She added that BCMM is ‘open for business’ this festive season, highlighting East London’s popular lighting displays and family-friendly attractions.
“East London has the best lighting display for the festive season, making it the city to be,” she said.
Furthermore, BCMM Mayor Cllr Faku said the new fleet would help ease the city’s chronic shortage of law enforcement vehicles. “An additional R4,8 Million has been approved for the 2025/26 financial year to replace decommissioned and auctioned law enforcement vehicles,” Faku announced.
She also suggested that some of the new vehicles will be deployed to high-crime areas such as Duncan Village and Qonce, where increased patrol presence is most needed.
“Our team can finally do the work they’re meant to do these vehicles will make a real difference and help make Buffalo City the safest place to be this festive season,” she added.
In addition Ward 18 Councillor Jason Mc Dowell noted that his ward had asked to join the municipality’s festive season planning efforts but had not yet received a response. “Early involvement would enable us to help where we can,” he said, urging greater collaboration between wards and city departments.
With the festive season fast approaching, BCMM officials and community leaders expressed confidence that the new fleet will boost safety operations and enhance public confidence. The initiative marks another step in Buffalo City’s broader drive to create a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.
Photographs: Siyolise Silayi
