200 new pointsmen for Joburg

Faced with a surge in malfunctioning traffic lights, worsened by the increase in load shedding, the City of Joburg’s department of public safety has been compelled to seek a viable solution to address the disruptions in urban traffic flow.

It has appointed 200 traffic pointsmen to join the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD).

The pointspeople were officially introduced this Thursday.

The event was led by Mgcini Tshwaku, MMC for public safety, senior officials of JMPD and the public safety department.

The department said the deployment of traffic pointsmen was aimed at reducing traffic disruptions.

It explained that the selection process for the pointsmen was strict.

Some of those chosen had experience managing traffic at intersections, even though they didn’t have official training.

They also went through thorough criminal background checks and screenings to make sure they were suitable for the job.

“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 increase the numbers at a later stage” said the MMC.

“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, authorised professionals from this point forward,” he added.

The MMC emphasised the need for the new pointsmen to take up their responsibilities with dedication and integrity.

The pointsmen, who are set to commence their duties on Monday, will serve in all seven regions of the city of Johannesburg.

We hope to increase numbers at a later stage.

Mgcini Tshwaku City of Joburg MMC for public safety