A golden farewell to a golden Metro officer

MARTINDALE – Retiring Chief Superintendent asked to still be nearby to keep sharing his knowledge.

Metro police acting Chief Angie Mokasi and retiring spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar with the mounted unit of the Metro Police Department. Photo: Andile Dlodlo

Officials share their experiences and appreciation of Metro police spokesperson and colleague.

It was a bittersweet day for the City of Johannesburg and its Public Safety Department as they bid farewell to Metro police’s spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar. After 41 years of service, he called it a day as he retired on February 28 at the age of 63.

Metro police’s Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar guides Executive Mayor Dr Mpho Phalatse through his last roadblock as part of his retirement ceremony on February 28. Photo: Andile Dlodlo

The City and its Public Safety Department hosted a ceremonial roadblock and formal event to say farewell to the person who had become the face and voice of the JMPD as he heads to retirement. In attendance was the Executive Mayor Dr Mpho Phalatse, acting Chief of Metro police Angie Mokasi, Public Safety MMC David Tembe and Environment Infrastructure Services Department Michael Sun. Members of the Public Safety Department were also present to wish the superintendent a well-deserved break and thanked him for the lessons, support, guidance and cherished moments they had.

Metro police’s Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar flanked by Public Safety MMC David Tembe and Executive Mayor of Johannesburg Dr Mpho Phalatse as they hand him a special plaque to commemorate his 41 years of service. Photo: Andile Dlodlo

Phalatse was saddened that the City was saying goodbye to Minnaar, especially due to Minnaar explaining that it is the City’s labour laws that are pushing him toward retirement. She stated, “I have a concern about a system that kicks people out when they still have it in them to give. I have a problem with a system that kicks people out when we on the inside still need them.” Regardless, she looked back at the years they worked together when she was the MMC of Health and Social Development and appreciated the time, energy and respect Minnaar gave to his work and colleagues.

Executive Mayor of Johannesburg Dr Mpho Phalatse, Acting Chief of Metro police Angie Mokasi and the retiring spokesperson of Metro police Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar. Photo: Andile Dlodlo

Sun worked with Minnaar during his time as MMC of Public Safety under former mayor Herman Mashaba. He stated, “Of the golden years he has given to the City of Johannesburg, he has done us really proud. I really want to wish him well as a former MMC that worked with him closely, he’s not just been the face of the JMPD but he has also been the voice of JMPD. I really want to wish him all the best and I’m sure he will have a lot of time to spend with his family but I also ask him not to be too far from us.” Tembe added, “I know I speak on behalf of many of us here and JMPD at large when I say we will miss you and your wisdom which you generously shared with us during the last 41 years. We wish you well, we wish you good health, and rest, as you retire. It must be such a pleasure to retire gracefully. All the best.”