Johannesburg - City of Joburg mayor Mpho Phalatse has warned residents against drinking and driving during the end-of-year revelling this weekend.
Phalatse said law enforcement would be “continuously visible” over the weekend in problem areas and on busy roads to ensure residents were safe and enjoyed their festivities “with ease”.
Despite her New Year’s message, there were concerns from opposition parties that the municipality had no clear plans for ensuring that residents were safe this weekend.
There were reports that staff at the Joburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) were demoralised and had been in conflict with the municipality over a number of labour-related issues.
Issues with payments to service providers and expired contracts had left the city without speed cameras for some time. Opposition parties had also complained about dysfunctional breathalysers being used by officers.
According to JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla, those who are interested in setting off fireworks should be able to do so at certain times, which are between 11pm and 1am on New Year’s Eve and 7pm to 10pm on New Year’s Day.
“Some of the other provisions in the by-laws about the use of fireworks include that no person may deal in fireworks unless he or she holds a fireworks licence in terms of the Explosives Act. No person below the age of 16 may use fireworks without adult supervision.
“Fireworks must not be used inside any building on agricultural holdings and in public places such as schools, old-age homes and hospitals and where animals were present, or within 500 metres of an explosive factory or storage facility, petrol depot, or a station,” Fihla said.
Fihla said JMPD officers would be part of the large police contingent, which would include SAPS, Gauteng Traffic Police, other law enforcement agencies, and private security companies that would be ensuring the safety of those celebrating New Year’s Day in problematic areas such as Hillbrow.
“Officers will be deployed throughout the City of Joburg, especially in high-density areas such as the inner city and surroundings, Soweto, Alexandra, Eldorado Park, Westbury and Diepsloot,” Fihla said.
He said JMPD has received numerous complaints regarding misconduct and alleged corruption by staff.
“All complaints are directed to the internal affairs unit, which investigates the allegations, and from there, a disciplinary process is followed to prove if the staff is guilty or not,” Fihla said.
“The city departments and entities will continue with service delivery operations, while the job of the metro police department will work to keep communities’ residents and visitors safe,” Phalatse said.
She warned residents of the city about the dangers of recklessness on the roads at this time of the year. She said the city was committed to reducing road carnage and other fatalities.
“Please enjoy responsibly. Don’t drink and drive. And please arrive alive should you be using this period to travel.
“May each of you and your loved ones enjoy a healthy and joyful holiday season. Merry Christmas, Joburg, and a happy new year. In 2023 may we see the repair and rebuilding of Joburg accelerate,” she said.
Phalatse said looking back, 2022 has been both a season of hope and a winter of despair. “We have had golden opportunities and have as recently as this month had our share of disasters resulting from floods. However, in the end, collectively as a society, we have shown fortitude and resilience as we come to the end of the year,” she said.
Phalatse wished Johannesburg residents a happy and prosperous new year.
“May the season present an opportunity for renewal of hope, greater aspirations and infinite possibilities. Let us take this time to be together with our loved ones, to reaffirm our affections, celebrate the joys of life, and share the gift of God’s love by giving of ourselves and sharing generously with those in need.
“As we enter 2023, the multiparty government reaffirms its determination to ensure quality services delivered to all 6 million residents of Joburg,” she said.
The Star