JMPD deployed to address disruptions in Johannesburg and Soweto
JMPD deployed to address disruptions in Johannesburg and Soweto! In a move aimed at restoring order in Johannesburg and Soweto, the City’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport, Kenny Kunene, has announced the deployment of the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) to tackle disruptions to service delivery in Region D. The announcement comes amid claims of service interruptions caused by a group allegedly linked to the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), who are demanding employment.
Kunene, who also serves as the deputy president of the Patriotic Alliance, stated that the disruptions have been severely affecting essential services, including the operation of clinics, schools, and stormwater drainage systems.
Alleged Disruptions by MKP Members
Kunene made it clear that the disruptions were allegedly being orchestrated by members of the MKP, a political group claiming to represent veterans of the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC). According to Kunene, the group is demanding to be hired as general workers in the City of Johannesburg.
JMPD
“I’ve been informed that these are members of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party who are demanding to be employed as general workers,” Kunene said. He further emphasized that such demands would not be tolerated, as the city had already advertised the positions publicly, and all applicants were expected to follow the official application process.
However, the MKP has refuted Kunene’s allegations. The party’s spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, dismissed the claims, pointing out that the weather conditions in recent weeks have made it implausible for party members to engage in disruptive actions. “Firstly, it’s been raining for the past two weeks. Why would our members go block people in the rain?” Ndhlela asked, expressing disbelief at Kunene’s accusations.
He also challenged Kunene’s understanding of politics, stating, “How does Kenny come to the conclusion that it was our members in any case… Kenny should understand that politics is not the same as running a nightclub.”
City’s Firm Stance on Employment Process
Despite the MKP’s denial, Kunene made it clear that the City of Johannesburg would not entertain any unlawful demands. “The advert has gone out, and everybody must apply. Like everybody else. There will be no exceptions. They want to be handpicked and given jobs in the City of Joburg. That is not going to happen,” Kunene declared. He reiterated that the city would strictly follow the lawful procedure for hiring workers, and no political interference would be allowed in the process.
Kunene also warned that any efforts to disrupt essential services or prevent workers from fulfilling their duties would be met with serious consequences. “We are going to follow the process of government in terms of the law,” Kunene added. He emphasized that the city would use all legal means at its disposal to ensure service delivery continued without interruption.
JMPD’s Role in Restoring Order
To ensure that workers could carry out their duties unhindered, Kunene revealed that JMPD officers would be deployed to escort workers in Region D. He stated that he had received assurances from the JMPD chief that the officers would be deployed starting Monday.
“I have spoken to the chief of the JMPD, and he has given me assurances that on Monday, JMPD officers will be deployed to go and escort the workers so that they can go and do their work,” Kunene said. The move is seen as a necessary intervention to maintain order and prevent any further disruptions.
Consequences for Disruptors
Kunene made it clear that if the group responsible for the disruptions continued their unlawful actions, they would face the full force of the law. “In the event that these hooligans try to stop them, the JMPD will enforce the law. Those who are preventing people from working must be arrested,” he warned.
The disruptions have caused significant setbacks in the provision of services in Soweto and surrounding areas. According to Kunene, the group has been blocking workers from performing their duties for three weeks, which has had a detrimental effect on essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure maintenance.
Impact on Service Delivery
The service delivery disruptions have been felt most keenly in public clinics, schools, and stormwater management systems in Soweto. “For three weeks, they have been preventing these workers from doing their jobs. They are not only preventing the workers from doing their jobs, but also depriving the people of Soweto of service delivery,” Kunene lamented.
The situation has caused frustration among residents who rely on these essential services, and many are hoping for a swift resolution to the crisis.
Conclusion
The ongoing disruptions in Johannesburg and Soweto have drawn attention to the issue of political influence on employment processes and its impact on service delivery. With JMPD officers now deployed to restore order, Kunene has made it clear that any attempts to disrupt services will not be tolerated. The City of Johannesburg is committed to ensuring that the official employment process is followed and that all residents receive the services they are entitled to without further interruption.
