Arranged by Ward 89 councillor Leah Knott, Residents Associations (RAs) from across the ward were invited to air their grievances with authorities.
In the hall of Panorama Primary School, the heads of the various RAs in Ward 89 were given the opportunity to state their area’s most pressing issues to the MMC of Public Safety, David Tembe, and acting Director of Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Thulani Maxwell Khanyile. As issues may overlap wards, chairpersons of RAs in Ward 126 were also given a chance to address the panel assembled on Thursday, April 14.
A primary concern raised by those present was the overall lack of JMPD personnel within the ward. This lack of visible policing was sighted as being partly to blame for the issues across the suburbs. Burning topics highlighted included but were not limited to illegal dumping, drinking and urinating in public, informal traders, loitering and alleged drug dealers operating among the job seekers on Jim Fouché Road. Additionally, the 9th Avenue bridge and informal dwellers in fields across the ward were both of the gravest concern.
JMPD have had the bulk of their officers deployed to the Johannesburg CBD in a move aimed at tackling the notoriously dangerous crime hub, but Honeydew Community Policing Forum PRO, Michael Steyn, questioned the wisdom of removing most of the officers from the suburban streets.
“We all have the same objective, which is to take the city back but we need our own resources too,” said Michael, suggesting the returning of at least half the complement of officers.
MMC Tembe, who with his team have only been in office for roughly four months, responded by detailing the irregularities that his department has inherited. He stated how his office was working hard to stabilise JMPD, noting how 79 permanent positions within the organisation still needed to be filled.
“A vacuum has been created. There is lots of work for us to do and we are essentially starting afresh,” said MMC Tembe.
The RA chairpersons were hoping to leave the meeting with clearer paths forward, with the MMC and the acting JMPD Director identifying several areas for improvement. To close any gaps in communication and build stronger relationships, a regular JMPD presence at CPF meetings was agreed. For matters stretching across wards and regions, MMC Tembe indicated a desire to increase the value of by-law infringement fines, and confirmed he had been granted the budget to appoint 185 additional traffic wardens.
Those who take it upon themselves to promote the safety, security and beauty of their suburbs through their roles on the RAs are best placed to relay any concerns. Asking for increased cooperation and communication, the message from the chairpersons was clear: JMPD have the authority, community groups have the resources on the ground, and incorporation of those resources will lead to success.
