In what it calls a “landmark initiative”, the City of Joburg has appointed 200 Metro Police Department (JMPD) Traffic Points Officials that will assist in improving urban traffic flow during the hours of load-shedding and at malfunctioning traffic signals.
This comes after the city experienced a rapid rise in vagrant and homeless individuals taking it upon themselves to direct traffic at faulty intersections, said JMPD Spokesperson Xolani Fihla in a 702 interview.
The newly appointed Points Officials will start their duties on Monday, 22 January 2024, serving all seven regions of the metro.
“This initiative strategically addresses the challenges of load-shedding and ineffective traffic lights, which have been significantly affecting the city’s road networks,” according to MMC for Public Safety, Mgcini Tshwaku.
“The deployment of Traffic Points Officials is a proactive measure aimed at reducing traffic disruptions and enhancing the travel experience for residents and visitors alike.”
Over 100,000 applications received
Following the announcement of the project, the JMPD received over 100,000 applications for the role of Traffic Points Officials.
This, said Tshwaku, is a “reflection of the profound unemployment issues facing our city and country.”
During the selection process, priority was given to individuals who had previously taken the initiative to manage traffic at various intersections, albeit without official training. Comprehensive criminal background and fit-for-purpose screenings were also conducted.
“It broke my heart that we could not take in more applicants due to budget constraints, but we hope to be able to increase the numbers at a later stage,” said the MMC.
Going forward, Thswaku vowed that the City’s traffic will only be controlled by trained individuals employed by the JMPD.
“As a people-centred and oriented department committed to serving the community, we recognise the public’s concerns about untrained individuals managing traffic. Under the JMPD’s guidance, we assure you that there will be strict oversight and accountability for our Points Officials’ work,” he said.
“Our focus is to ensure that traffic control in the city is in the hands of trained, authorized professionals from this point forward.”
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