The City’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) has embarked on a comprehensive water safety campaign, aiming to make the upcoming summer season free from drowning incidents. The campaign focuses on discouraging activities such as baptism ceremonies, spiritual rituals, swimming, and the crossing of flooded rivers to mitigate risks of drowning. Two local schools from Orlando West and the Traditional Healers Association actively participated in the launch this week, with pupils receiving training on swimming and water safety.
The initiative comes in response to tragic incidents in 2022 and earlier this year, including flash floods in the Jukskei River and fatalities during traditional ceremonies south of Johannesburg.
MMC for Public Safety, Cllr. Mgcini Tshwaku, said the campaign is significant in helping preserve vulnerable lives.
“Residents should avoid performing rituals when rivers are flooded, as this may cause drowning. You must also beware of criminal activities around dams,” Cllr. Tshwaku said.
The Water Safety Campaign extends from December 2023 to March 2024, encompassing the entire summer season.
The initiative responds to over 20 drowning and near-drowning incidents recorded by EMS between September 2022 and November 2023.
“We are happy to see our leaders coming to our community to raise awareness on water safety issues. Your dedication to this cause is truly commendable, and we are fortunate to have leaders like you who prioritise the safety and well-being of the community,” said a community member at the Orlando Swimming Pool, where the MMC and the Acting Head of the Public Safety Department, Andries Mucavele, launched the campaign.
Community members, Ward Councillor, church leaders, and traditional leaders attended the event, where the emphasis was on water rituals, criminal activities around dams, and the importance of alerting authorities to ensure protection.
During the launch event, community members raised service delivery issues with the MMC, including putting in a request for swimming pool maintenance, the feasibility of JMPD presence in swimming pools to address security concerns, and unattended manholes causing injuries.
Cllr. Tshwaku promised to escalate the community’s concerns to the relevant departments.
As part of the Water Safety campaign, the MMC will visit problematic areas across Johannesburg starting on Friday, 8 December.
A flood preparedness clean-up campaign will also be conducted in Setswetla Informal Settlement, Alexandra, to address litter concerns near rivers.
MMC Tshwaku will be accompanied by the City’s Disaster Management Unit. The campaign aims to educate and prepare the community for potential floods and improve water flow along the Jukskei River.
Tshwaku urged the community to use EMS contact numbers in case of emergencies: 011 375 5911.
“We are committed to proactive initiatives that ensure the safety and well-being of our residents during the summer season and beyond,” MMC Tshwaku said.
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Written by Nomasonto Manyehlisa
4.11.2023