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The Speaker of Council in the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Nonceba Molwele, hosted a wreath-laying ceremony at the Metro Centre Piazza on Saturday, 29 February 2020, to honour officials of the City who died in the line of duty.
The ceremony was hosted in conjunction with the Johannesburg Regiment Association. The City’s flag was lowered and a moment of silence observed to show respect to the departed.
The Executive Mayor of the City of Joburg Cllr, Geoff Makhubo, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety Cllr Mally Mokoena and the Chairman of the Johannesburg Regiment Association, Colonel John Wilson, also laid wreaths alongside family members to mark the annual event.
Cllr Molwele said essential services employees including the Joburg Metro Police Department officers, Emergency Management Services workers, Joburg Water and City Power technicians are mostly exposed to danger while working in communities.
She took time to interact with some of the families who attended the ceremony. They included two families of JMPD officers who were run over by motorists while performing their duties.
‘‘It is unfortunate that these workers who serve the City with distinction are often attacked and disregarded by the very communities they are serving. It is extremely painful when you come face to face with families. We want to take this opportunity to urge the residents of Johannesburg to respect servants of the City who visit their communities to provide essential services.
‘‘When you see an officer in uniform or an EMS worker or any other employee in communities representing the City, please accord them the respect they deserve. We also remember many other workers who are often not who served with selflessly. We will ensure that their contribution is noticed. We will continue honouring them,’’ said Cllr Molwele.
She added that the City’s social work services is in constant contact with families to help them through the trauma of losing their loved ones. ‘‘The City works because of employees, we need to appreciate them and it is our responsibility to ensure the wellness of their families.’’
