Statement by Yongama Zigebe, Councillor in the City of Johannesburg for the United Democratic Movement
The United Democratic Movement (UDM), as a member of the Government of Local Unity (GLU), unequivocally distances itself from the recent remarks made by City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor, Dada Morero, regarding the recruitment of foreign nationals into the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD).
We find the Mayor’s comments not only misinformed but also deeply concerning, given the high unemployment rates in our city and country.
The UDM acknowledges the critical need for effective policing in all communities, including those with large populations of foreign nationals. However, we believe that the solution does not lie in recruiting foreign nationals into our police force, but rather in empowering and upskilling South African citizens who are already well-equipped and eager to serve their communities.
It is particularly troubling that despite the high unemployment rate in the City of Johannesburg—the highest in the country—the Mayor would propose such a measure. Last August, the JMPD advertised, shortlisted, and interviewed South African candidates to fill vacancies, yet to this day, no appointments have been made. One must question whether this delay is due to the fact that these candidates are South African citizens rather than foreign nationals as required by the Mayor. This is unacceptable.
We urge the Mayor to reconsider his stance, as charity begins at home. Our young people are languishing in abject poverty and unemployment while the City’s first citizen considers outsourcing jobs that could be filled by South Africans. The JMPD should focus on filling these vacancies with the qualified and capable individuals already in our country who are in desperate need of employment.
The UDM stands firm in its commitment to uplifting and prioritising South African citizens, ensuring that our local workforce is supported and empowered to combat the challenges we face as a nation. We call on the Mayor to redirect his focus towards addressing the needs of our people and to work collaboratively in creating sustainable employment opportunities for the residents of Johannesburg.
