Some 200 skilled JMPD points officials to control traffic
More than 100 000 applications were received.
In a landmark initiative to improve urban traffic flow in the City of Johannesburg (CoJ), especially during load-shedding and at malfunctioning traffic signals, the city’s Department of Public Safety announced the appointment of 200 JMPD traffic points officials.
The newly appointed points officials started their duties on January 22, serving all seven regions of the CoJ.
Clr Mgcini Tshwaku, the MMC for Public Safety, and senior officials from JMPD and Public Safety led the launch on January 18.
This initiative strategically addresses the challenges of load-shedding and ineffective traffic lights, which have significantly affected the city’s road networks. Deploying traffic points officials is a proactive measure to reduce traffic disruptions and enhance the travel experience for residents and visitors.
“We received over 100 000 applications, reflecting the profound unemployment issues facing our city and country. 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 Tshwaku.
He appealed to the new points officials to embrace their roles with dedication and integrity.
“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 there will be strict oversight and accountability for our points officials’ work.
“Our focus is to ensure traffic control in the city is in the hands of trained, authorised professionals from this point forward,” he added, underscoring the department’s commitment to ethical and responsible traffic management.
The recruitment process of the points officials was stringent in ensuring transparency and integrity in the selection processes. Notably, among those selected were individuals who had previously taken the initiative to manage traffic at various intersections, albeit without official training.
Thoroughly conducted were comprehensive criminal backgrounds and fit-for-purpose screenings.
The MMC stressed the importance of ethical conduct and dedication among the new recruits, expressing confidence in their contribution to the city’s traffic management under the oversight of JMPD’s regional leadership.
