Cape Town – Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has sparked controversy by suggesting that documented foreign nationals be employed in the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) to help address language barriers in law enforcement.
“Comrade chair, deputy chair, I always ask this question that none of our police men and women in uniform can speak any of the foreign African languages.
ANC Joburg Chairperson & Mayor Dada Morero considers recruiting properly documented foreigners into the JMPD to fight crime. @eNCA https://t.co/Z18zbvOtSj pic.twitter.com/FrNggBz3aI
— Moloko Moloto (@moloko_moloto) August 25, 2024
“It might be a culture shock to suggest to this REC but if we are serious about fighting crime in Ward 67, we have no option but those who are properly documented with proper documents can be recruited to the Johannesburg Metro Police Department,” Morero said in a video clip that has since gone viral on social media.
This proposal was met with backlash, including rejection by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, who said that the ANC Johannesburg Lekgotla dismissed the idea.
“We don’t agree with this proposal. We held discussions with our Regional Chairperson and Executive Mayor @CdeDada who advised us that the ANC Johannesburg Lekgotla rejected his proposal and he fully accepts the decision not to entertain this proposal further.
We don’t agree with this proposal. We held discussions with our Regional Chairperson and Executive Mayor @CdeDada who advised us that the ANC Johannesburg Lekgotla rejected his proposal and he fully accepts the decision not to entertain this proposal further. We remain committed… https://t.co/KQIl9Dzfpt
— Panyaza Lesufi (@Lesufi) August 25, 2024
“We remain committed to ensure that our law enforcement agencies are appropriately trained to tackle challenges created by crime. Our sincerest apologies for the confusion and pain caused by this proposal,” Lesufi said.
ActionSA also criticised the suggestion, calling it an “insult” to South Africans aspiring to serve in law enforcement. The party stressed the importance of reserving such roles for citizens due to national security concerns.
“I am thankful that Joburg will be protected by Speaker @cllr_mthembu and the ActionSA Caucus that a recruit must be a South African citizen to serve in the Metro Police,” ActionSA interim chairperson Michael Beaumont said.
.@Action4SA will use our position in the Joburg Council to ensure this very bad idea NEVER HAPPENS.
I am thankful that Joburg will be protected by Speaker @cllr_mthembu and the ActionSA Caucus that a recruit must be a South African citizen to serve in the Metro Police. https://t.co/Ute6EjXQXY pic.twitter.com/gWrpVepNR0
— Michael Beaumont (@ME_Beaumont) August 25, 2024
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: X/@TheLegalSA
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
