The City has opted not to renew its contract with Traffic Freeflow (TFF) and OUTsurance leaving almost 200 pointsmen out in the cold.
The Department of Public Safety made the decision on 5 August.
In a joint statement, OUTsurance and TFF, a company that manages static and mobile pointsmen in the country, expressed their disappointment at the City’s decision not to put out a new tender at the expiration of their existing contract on 31 July.
Bheki Zondo, TFF CEO said, “We only became aware that the contract would not be extended or put out for a new tender, at a rather late stage. TFF serves over 36 sponsors and has always been available to help the City with events or traffic situations when asked.”
He added that the project was one of Joburg’s most successful public-private partnerships and that it had created over 180 jobs for unemployed youth from poor communities.
OUTsurance CEO, Danie Matthee said the announcement by the City caught all involved off guard.
“We were aware that the TFF contract was expiring at the end of this month and although we had given our written commitment for another three-year term, we fully accept that it is the City’s prerogative not to continue availing itself of this free service.”
For 13 years, the pointsmen managed traffic flow within the City and founder of TFF, Collen Bekker said they have no option but to accept what is and deal with their disappointment.
“My deepest thanks go to every single member of staff at TFF who have made the project the huge success that it was in Johannesburg for the past 13 years.
We thank our sponsors and in particular, OUTsurance for its unwavering support and funding but most importantly the motorists who contributed to the success of this project by recognising and visibly displaying their appreciation for the help we were offering by improving traffic flow,” said Bekker.
MMC for Public Safety, Michael Sun issued a statement explaining that the newly appointed 180 traffic wardens will be taking over and will ensure that traffic continues to be managed efficiently.
“It is unfortunate that the service provider is spreading rumours of impending “traffic chaos” once they cease to render their services to the City,” read the statement. “Sun would like to assure residents that these claims are unfounded as that risk is already being managed for a smooth implementation.”
Details: Colleen Bekker 011 448 2345; colleen@media3.co.za
Natasha Kawulesar, OUTsurance kawulesarn@out.co.za
