Yongama Zigebe, UDM Councillor in the City of Johannesburg, has distanced himself and the party from remarks made by the newly appointed Executive Mayor, Dada Morero, regarding the recruitment of foreign nationals into the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD).
Morero came under fire after a video clip of him went viral on social media suggesting that documented foreigners should be hired by the JMPD.
In the video, he said this would assist law enforcement officers in dealing with the language barrier when arresting foreigners.
Zigebe said the United Democratic Movement (UDM) finds the Mayor’s comments not only misinformed but also deeply concerning, given the high unemployment rates in South Africa, and urged the Mayor to reconsider his stance.
“The UDM acknowledges the critical need for effective policing in all communities, including those with large populations of foreign nationals. However, we believe that the solution does not lie in recruiting foreign nationals into our police force, but rather in empowering and upskilling South African citizens who are already well-equipped and eager to serve their communities,” said the UDM Councillor.
ALSO READ: ActionSA claims responsibility for resignation of Gwamanda.
Zigebe noted that last year, “the JMPD advertised, shortlisted, and interviewed South African candidates to fill vacancies” but pointed out that no appointments have been made so far.
“One must question whether this delay is due to the fact that these candidates are South African citizens rather than foreign nationals as required by the Mayor,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Premier of Gauteng and ANC Provincial Chairperson, Mr Panyaza Lesufi, also rejected the mayor’s proposal, providing more clarity on the matter.
“We held discussions with our Regional Chairperson and Executive Mayor Dada 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,” said Lesufi.
