Service Delivery Crisis Fuels Crime Surge in South Africa

10 Feb 2025

As South Africans grapple with endless water shortages, power cuts, pothole-riddled roads, and malfunctioning traffic lights in many areas, a disturbing pattern has emerged, neighbourhoods plagued by poor service delivery are becoming increasingly vulnerable to crime. Recent statistics from the South African Police Service (SAPS) paint a grim picture, with violent crime soaring by 38% in areas most affected by infrastructure collapse. This includes a significant rise in incidents like assault, robbery, and property damage.

"When basic infrastructure fails, criminals exploit these vulnerabilities. We're seeing this pattern repeat across the country, and it's putting tremendous pressure on security personnel, who are often the first line of defense in these situations," says Adriaan Otto, Managing Director of Excellerate Services.

The frustration is boiling over onto the streets. According to the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), seven out of ten protests in the past year stemmed from service delivery failures, ranging from uncollected garbage piling up in townships to sewage flowing down suburban streets.

The ripple effects are far-reaching. When electrical infrastructure fails due to cable theft, vandalised substations, or aging equipment, security systems become compromised. Security cameras go dark, and business and private electric fences become useless, making people vulnerable. These types of incidents are becoming more common, with a significant rise in crime occurring in areas where power outages and service delivery failures are frequent.

The World Bank's latest assessment of South Africa's security landscape reveals a troubling paradox: despite substantial investment in policing, crime rates continue to climb. The reason, experts suggest, lies in the deteriorating infrastructure that creates perfect conditions for criminal activity. According to the World Bank, crime insecurity in South Africa is significantly higher than expected, given the country's spending on law enforcement, highlighting how infrastructure failures undermine the effectiveness of security efforts.

"It's a vicious cycle," Otto explains. "Poor service delivery creates gaps in security infrastructure, from broken street lights to malfunctioning CCTV systems. Criminals exploit these gaps, which in turn drives away businesses and investment, further straining local resources for maintenance and security."

He continues, "until we address the fundamental issue of service delivery, we're simply putting band-aids on bullet wounds. We need a coordinated effort between government, the private sector, and communities to rebuild infrastructure and restore basic services. Only then can we hope to turn the tide on crime."

Breaking the Cycle

While the link between poor service delivery and crime is clear, communities and organisations are taking decisive action. Rather than waiting for government intervention alone, many are adopting a hands-on approach to protecting their neighbourhoods.

"Infrastructure is not just about roads and electricity, it's about social infrastructure too," Otto adds. "By supporting initiatives that maintain and restore public spaces, and fostering a culture of accountability, we help reduce the desperation and circumstances that often lead to crime."

We demonstrate this approach through strategic partnerships focused on supporting organisations that help maintain public spaces which would otherwise be neglected. Our support of Adopt-A-Beach, which maintains coastal areas from Umdloti River to the Durban Harbour, shows how well-maintained public spaces can deter criminal activity. Similarly, our collaboration with the National Children and Violence Trust (NCVT) addresses crime prevention through social support and mentorship programs.

"We're excited to be part of movements such as the Love North Coast," says Barry Smith, Regional Director at Excellerate Services. "Initiatives like these are about more than just promoting the region but about creating a collaborative platform that showcases the growth potential of magnificent parts of South Africa. When we work together to enhance and protect our shared spaces, we create environments that benefit everyone."

The path to safer communities and spaces requires a multi-faceted approach. While government intervention remains crucial, local action can drive immediate change. Communities that maintain their public spaces, support upliftment projects, and build strong social networks are proving more resilient against crime.

"For millions of South Africans, the impact of failing infrastructure on their safety remains a daily concern. But we're not powerless. By working together, government, businesses, and communities, we can rebuild and protect what matters," Smith concludes.

The evidence is clear, crime thrives in neglect but struggles where communities stand united. As South Africans face these challenges, it's the collective action at the local level that offers the most promising path forward.

Sources: World Bank, BusinessTech.co.za, South African Police Service (SAPS), South African Local Government Association (SALGA), Daily investor