WATCH: Wayne Minnaar retires after 41 years

Praises and good wishes poured at the surprise farewell of JMPD spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar at Public Safety headquarters, Martindale, on February 28.

The farewell kicked off with a ceremonial roadblock outside the headquarters in honour of Minnaar.

Dignitaries, including Mayor Mpho Phalatse, MMC for Public Safety David Tembe and MMC for EISD Michael Sun thanked Minnaar for his tireless efforts to lead the second-largest metro police in the land over the past 41 years.

In his welcome address, HOD for Public Safety Hlula Msimang said Minnaar has been the face of the JMPD.

“We knew that come Easter or festive holidays that you will be in the forefront giving us safety instructions. You were great with the media. I marvel at how you deal with them, and your patience was amazing. You have become exemplary on how an officer should behave and handle himself. When the history of the JMPD is written, your name should be in the forefront,” he said.

Sun appreciated the sacrifice and dedication of Minnaar. “You represent what police officers should be. Thank you for 41 golden years. Don’t go too far because we would like to tap on your experience,” he said.

Tembe also paid tribute to Minnaar. “There is nothing as good in policing as to retire gracefully. When you retire with honour, you retire with your rank. But when you are dishonourably discharged, you are stripped off of your title.

“The 41 years of unbroken service is not a short time. Very few here in the JMPD can speak ill of Wayne’s character. It is only the men and women of honour who can run such a marathon of four decades without a stain over their name.

“But I am not trying to paint Wayne as a saint. Like any human being, he had his own shortcomings. Wayne may have faulted here and there, but it would be unfair to accuse him of dishonesty. In his job, he kept trying to do better,” he said.

Among other things that Phalatse mentioned it was so fashionable for Minnaar to do the right thing. She also lamented on the system, which kicks out hardworking and experienced people.

She wished there was another way the system would operate to preserve those who are an asset to the City.

“I have worn my uniform and badge for 41 years with pride and as I retire, I can look back on the service I gave to the citizens of the City of Johannesburg with honour,” said Minnaar.

Also in attendance was acting chief of JMPD Angie Mokasi who thanked Minnar for his excellent work at the department.