Following backlash from political parties in Johannesburg, mayor and ANC regional chairperson, Dada Morero, has withdrawn his controversial crime prevention strategy to recruit documented foreigners as Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) law enforcement.
During an ANC media briefing at Mount Grace Hotel in Magaliesburg on Monday, Morero stated his suggestion was to spark debate at the party’s regional executive lekgotla on Sunday.
The mayor believed foreign officers would intensify the fight against crime and be in a position to address the language barrier between officers and foreign criminals.
“I unconditionally withdraw my proposal, and apologise for the anxiety it might have caused South Africans. I shared these views to inspire debate at the lekgotla, which is a platform for ANC leaders to consider all options available to resolve challenges facing our people,” said Morero.
The lekgotla concluded the mayor’s methods would be insensitive to the high unemployment rate, while there are mounting calls for mass deportation of undocumented foreigners.
ANC members denounced the decision to hire foreigners in any other security cluster.
Instead, Morero indicated that the lekgotla suggested further training for existing law enforcement to address language barrier challenges.
“The lekgotla then resolved that we should instead train our officers to be proficient in foreign languages that are dominantly in areas with high specific groups of foreign nationals. The lekgotla accepted the concern that language barriers frustrated the police,” he said.
With South Africans enraged by his methods to tackle crime, Morero said: “Upon further reflection, I have concluded my suggestion was not consistent with the policies of the ANC and policies of the government.”
Crime, lawlessness, corruption, violence, and hijacking of buildings are some of the most common factors that are contributing to the city’s collapse.
Hijacked, abandoned, dilapidated buildings, and shacks have become home for many families in Gauteng, particularly in Joburg in recent decades as the province was increasingly under threat of overpopulation.
Gauteng ANC chairperson Panyaza Lesufi said they have rejected the suggestion and that this won’t be entertained going forward.
“We don’t agree with this proposal. 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,” he said on X.
“We remain committed to ensuring that our law enforcement agencies are appropriately trained to tackle challenges created by crime.”
He further extended his apologies to South Africans for the confusion and pain caused by the proposal.
This comes at the back of the high unemployment rate in South Africa, where young South Africans are sitting at home with skills, qualifications, and experience.
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie said: “This will be the day hell freezes over. Many South Africans speak foreign languages, why not offer them jobs?”
Quite notorious for their support for foreign nationals, the EFF’s provincial branch showed its patriotism by opposing Morero.
The Red Berets claimed the mayor was “out of touch with the realities faced by ordinary South Africans”.
“The EFF Gauteng opposes the remarks made by executive mayor Dada Morero. His statement demonstrates a lack of political and governance insight,” said EFF.
Similar to the ANC, the Red Berets suggested that local government trained law enforcement.
“The government should focus on enhancing the police force with the necessary intelligence, language skills, and cultural understanding. Investment should be made in training officers and providing them with linguistic tools to better understand and engage with the communities they serve,” said EFF.
‘The Star’ understands social media users are demanding for the mayor to step down. In addition, other users predicted an ActionSA, DA and other parties coalition would threaten Morero’s mayoral seat.
However, ActionSA national spokesperson, Samkelo Mghobozi nullified these predictions.
He said: “Part of being a constructive opposition in this arrangement is to call out our colleagues when they have erred. ActionSA has made it clear that we won’t support such a move from the executive and use our position in the legislature to oppose it vociferously. That does not mean that every time there is a disagreement, we must throw our toys out the cot. We remain in cooperation with the ANC in the city of Johannesburg and committed to voting on an issue by issue basis. This issue just won’t find support with ActionSA.”
Political analyst Nonhlanhla Masuku said the mayor had missed the opportunity to create jobs as unemployment remained rife for young people.
Instead, Morero’s administration must devise alternative methods to prevent crime, rather than recruit foreigners, which was a sensitive topic for South Africans.
“Many South Africans might view this as a missed opportunity for local employment. If foreign nationals are introduced into these roles, it may further strain public sentiment, especially among unemployed locals.
“It’s important that any such plan aligns with efforts to prioritise South African citizens for jobs. The administration must explore ways to balance the need for effective policing with the imperative of providing jobs to South Africans,” said Masuku.
She urged Morero to change security and employment policies to prioritise citizens, ensuring stability in local government.
“Morero must engage in constructive dialogue with all political stakeholders to ensure his policies are inclusive and do not lead to further political instability.” | Additional reporting by Kamogelo Moichela
The Star