City of Johannesburg appoints 200 traffic pointsmen

The City of Johannesburg has employed 200 traffic pointsmen to carry out seamless movement at malfunctioning traffic lights.

CITY OF JOHANNESBURG REFLECTS ON THE APPOINTMENT

The City’s leadership, which sees the appointment as a landmark initiative to improve urban traffic flow in the city of Johannesburg, especially during periods of load shedding and at malfunctioning traffic signals, welcomed the pointsmen at the launch yesterday, Thursday, 18 January.

ALSO READ: Bicycle Unit launched to fight crime in Pretoria

According to Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku, a Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Safety, this initiative strategically addresses the challenges of load shedding and ineffective traffic lights, which have been significantly affecting the city’s road networks.

“The deployment of Traffic Pointsmen is a proactive measure aimed at reducing traffic disruptions and enhancing the travel experience for residents and visitors alike.”MMC Tshwaku

ALSO READ: POTHOLES out of control in Johannesburg

MMC SADDENED BY THE LIMITED INTAKE OF NEW POINTSMEN IN THE CITY OF JOHANNESBURG

“We received over 100,000 applications, a reflection of 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 the MMC.

ALSO READ: Rise Mzansi manifesto: Thousands expected in Tshwane

The MMC strongly urged the newly appointed Pointsmen to embrace their roles with dedication and integrity.

“As a people-centered and oriented department committed to serving the community, we recognize the public’s concerns about untrained individuals managing traffic.
Under the JMPD’s guidance, we assure you that there will be strict oversight and accountability for our Pointsmen’s work. Our focus is to ensure that traffic control in the city is in the hands of trained, authorized professionals from this point forward,” he added, underscoring the department’s commitment to ethical and responsible traffic management.

ALSO READ: Back to School: Scholar transport tips to keep your school-going child safe in 2024

START DAY FOR THE NEW RECRUITS

Tshwaku emphasised that the recruitment process of the Pointsmen was exceptionally 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. Comprehensive criminal background and fit-for-purpose screenings were thoroughly conducted,” he said.

The MMC stressed the importance of ethical conduct and dedication among the new recruits, expressing confidence in their significant contribution to the city’s traffic management, under the diligent oversight of JMPD’s regional leadership.

The newly appointed pointsmen are expected to commence their duties on Monday, 22 January 2024, serving all seven regions of the metro.