Parties strongly oppose the hiring of foreign nationals in the JMPD
Joburg Mayor Dada Morero had suggested that the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) should employ foreign nationals.
Political parties have dismissed Johannesburg Mayor Sello “Dada” Morero’s suggestion to recruit foreign nationals into the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD).
Morero suggested that it will help solve language barriers between law enforcement officers and foreign nationals when arrested.
PARTIES REJECT DADA MORERO’S JMPD PROPOSAL
In a statement, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) said Morero’s proposal is not only a capitulation to neoliberal ideology but a betrayal of the working class, particularly South Africa’s unemployed youth who continue to be relegated to the margins of economic and social life.
The Red Berets said the latest data from Statistics SA reveal that the unemployment rate has increased to 32.9%, with youth unemployment soaring to 45.5%.
“These figures reflect a systemic failure to harness the potential of millions of South Africans who are eager and willing to contribute to the prosperity and security of our nation. Instead of outsourcing jobs to foreign nationals, which only serves to deepen the crisis of unemployment and social inequality, the state must invest in developing its citizens,” the party said.
Likewise, ActionSA also vehemently condemned Morero’s suggestion.
ActionSA Gauteng leader Funzi Ngobeni said this will not happen.
“JMPD must fight crime and arrest criminals. If these foreign criminals need translation, they will find that in court. This off-ramping of yours is worrying,” Ngobeni wrote on X.
Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie said, “This will be the day hell freezes over. Many South Africans speak foreign languages, so why not offer them jobs?”
LESUFI SHOOTS DOWN SUGGESTION
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi also apologised for the confusion caused by Morero’s proposal and emphasised they do not agree with it.
“We held discussions with our Regional Chairperson and executive mayor Dada Morero who advised us that the ANC Johannesburg Lekgotla rejected his proposal and he fully accepts the decision not to entertain this proposal further. We remain committed to ensure that our law enforcement agencies are appropriately trained to tackle challenges created by crime. Our sincerest apologies for the confusion and pain caused by this proposal,” Lesufi wrote on X.