In less than a week after 1 500 Metro police officers vacancies become available, 65 000 applications were received.
Michael Sun, City of Joburg MMC for Public Safety, said they never anticipated such a great interest.
The vacancies were advertised on 30 April and closed on 4 May.
“Receiving this overwhelming response from the public indicates that the residents of Joburg are keen to join Metro police and that members of the public want to be a part of the team of men and women who go beyond the call of duty to make our communities safe,” Sun said.
Sun also believes that the number of applications received reflects the unemployment rate in Joburg.
“It is for this reason that we are glad that we will not only enhance our police force but that we are creating much-needed jobs in the process,” he said.
According to Executive Major of Johannesburg, Herman Mashaba, more than 800 000, or one in every three Joburg residents, do not have employment.
The applications will now be processed and the successful applicants will be contacted to undergo a series of tests. This will include a fitness test and training.
Sun believes that these additional officers will contribute greatly to the City’s efforts to combat crime, enforce bylaws and manage traffic congestion. This is also the view of Mashaba, who, in February, adjusted the City’s budget to allow for R31 million more to employ additional officers. Mashaba said he believes this would be a major breakthrough in the City’s efforts to combat crime.
Mashaba said the move, supported by Joburg’s Economic Freedom Fighters’ caucus, will see the guards receiving a better salary and permanent employment.
“The City is [currently] effectively paying R16 000 per security guard, and yet each individual guard is earning in the region of only R4 000 per month,” the mayor said.
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