Cape Town – Johannesburg mayor and ANC chairperson Dada Morero has retracted his proposal to employ foreign nationals in the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) after significant criticism.
During an ANC regional executive committee (REC) lekgotla, Morero had suggested that hiring foreign nationals could help overcome language barriers in crime-fighting.
“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.
“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,” Dada said.
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
His proposal, however, faced rejection from various political parties, including Gauteng’s ANC chairperson, Panyaza Lesufi.
“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 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.
Morero apologised to residents and acknowledged that his suggestion was inconsistent with ANC and government policies.
“I, therefore, unconstitutionally withdraw my proposal. I wish to appreciate the robust manner in which our people were engaged in this discourse, especially on social media,” he said.
[WATCH] Joburg ANC Regional Chairperson Dada Morero on employing foreign nationals to assist at JMPD: “I withdraw my proposal and apologise for the anxiety it might have caused to the residents of Johannesburg and the people of South Africa.” #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/sZ8z9aIDWE
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) August 26, 2024
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
