MEDIA STATEMENT
Public Interest SA Expresses Disappointment Over Joburg Mayor’s Proposal to Employ Foreign Nationals as JMPD Officers
Johannesburg, Monday, 26 August 2024 — Public Interest SA is deeply perturbed and disappointed by the recent statements made by Johannesburg ANC Chairperson and Mayor Dada Morero at the party’s Regional Executive Committee Lekgotla, in which he suggested that the city consider employing properly documented foreign African nationals as Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers. Mayor Morero argued that this move could assist in combating crime, as these officers would understand foreign (African) languages.
In what part of the world would such an absurdity even be entertained?
While Public Interest SA acknowledges the complexities involved in addressing crimes committed by foreign nationals, we find the mayor’s suggestion ill-timed, ill-considered, and fundamentally flawed. Africa is home to more than 3,000 different languages, and Nigeria alone boasts over 525 native languages. With at least 40 police stations scatterred across the densely populated city, Morero’s proposal to ensure that each station has at least a police interpreter for all languages spoken by alleged African criminals is as vacuous as it is preposterous. Where will this financially strapped, "world-class African city" find the funding needed to implement Morero’s impractical suggestions for accommodating interpreters for criminals from around the continent? What about interpreters for criminal elements from countries such as Serbia, Russia, Israel, Georgia, the UAE, Germany, China, Japan, Greece, and beyond, who are also responsible for some of the most heinous crimes committed in the city?
Suggesting that African language proficiency alone is a sufficient criterion for law enforcement positions in the city is not only racist and simplistic but ignores the true essence of what it means to protect and serve the residents of Johannesburg.
To draw an analogy, which may be uncomfortable but is necessary to illustrate the absurdity of Morero’s proposal: under such logic, should the SA Police Service ranks be filled with individuals with a history of serious crimes, such as rapists, murderers and kidnappers, to combat those specific offenses? This kind of reasoning is not only preposterous but also dangerous, as it suggests a gross misunderstanding of the requisite tools, diligence and attendant responsibilities that come with law enforcement and the office Morero occupies.
Morero must prioritise addressing the rampant corruption within the city administration, particularly among fellow councillors and officials who collude with inner-city building hijackers and criminals involved in extortion and extraction rackets.
Lest he wishes they forgot, the residents of Johannesburg, along with the family of Zenzele Benedict Sithole— the City of Johannesburg forensic investigator who was tragically murdered last month while, reportedly, on the brink of exposing a "guns for hire" operation within the JMPD—are anxiously awaiting progress on the investigation into Sithole's murder. Does Morero seriously want Joburg citizens to also believe that the investigation into this heinous crime, like many others, is being hindered by language barriers as well?
"Over the years, Johannesburg has transformed into a haven for ruthless criminal elements and comtsotsis masquerading as city officials who have little regard for human life and will stop at nothing to eliminate anyone who opposes them. We must not succumb to their tactics of fear and intimidation. We urge anyone with information related to the assassination of Zenzele Sithole to come forward, assured that all information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Let us unite to ensure that those responsible for the murder of this fallen hero of integrity and vanguard of our democracy are held accountable and brought to justice," says Tebogo Khaas, chairperson of Public Interest SA and convenor of the 2024 Whistleblowers Awards.
Morero seems to have a knack for unintentionally attracting public criticism. In 2022, during his brief tenure as mayor, Morero faced widespread criticism after advocating for a "water revolution," which proposed that every household should have a JoJo tank to store water for drinking and cooking, rather than addressing the urgent need to repair the city's deteriorating water infrastructure.
Public Interest SA is deeply concerned that such thinking reflects a lack of political and business acumen in a leader entrusted with managing the wealthiest city in Africa. Instead of making such misguided proposals, Morero should focus on addressing the dire state of crime, grime, corruption, and poor service delivery that have become a hallmark of the once-prosperous and vibrant City of Gold.
We call on Mayor Morero to retract his remarks unreservedly and to immediately present a clear, well-thought-out plan to combat the rampant crime and other challenges facing our city. Johannesburg’s residents deserve ethical leadership that is both competent and committed to their safety and well-being.
Image credit: News24
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About Public Interest SA
Public Interest SA is a leading advocacy organization dedicated to promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical governance in South Africa. Our mission is to empower citizens, protect whistleblowers, and drive systemic change to combat corruption and enhance public trust. As a part of our ongoing commitment to these values, we are proud to host the Whistleblowers Awards, which honour individuals who have courageously exposed wrongdoing in the public and private sectors. We remind the public that nominations for the 2024 Whistleblowers Awards close on 1 September 2024.
We encourage everyone to submit their nominations and recognise the heroes who have made significant contributions to the fight against corruption.
ENDS
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