More than 40 security officers and control operators stood in the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s Garden with pride and joy as they received recognition awards for going beyond the call of duty.
The 43 security officers were awarded certificates of bravery for apprehending an elusive suspect who had allegedly been stealing computer hard drives at the Metro Centre, the municipal headquarters in Braamfontein.
The awards were handed out on Tuesday, 22 March by the MMC of Public Safety, Cllr David Tembe, the Director of Security, Lehotlo Mashalane, and the Public Safety senior leadership.
Acting Chief of Police Maxwell Khanyile expressed words of gratitude to all security officers who attended the awards ceremony.
“Thank you for being here as some of you were off duty, but when the MMC called, you answered and came. This shows commitment and dedication to your work,” said Acting Chief Khanyile.
Mashalane expressed his appreciation to the office of the MMC for acknowledging the challenging work of performed by security officers. He said they acted with valour and upheld their oath of office with integrity.
“We appreciate the MMC for coming to meet the employees, who understand their task in protecting the City’s property,” said Mashalane. “Security officers are the valued assets of public safety and the City,” he added.
Cllr Tembe said: “We are here to appreciate these diligent individuals, who often go beyond the call of duty to protect City employees, City property and residents of Johannesburg. We want to applaud and celebrate you for keeping us safe,” he said.
“It is through your dedicated work ethos that we have managed to catch many people who are stealing City property,” Tembe added.
The MMC said the recognition awards were designed to celebrate excellence.
“We want to inspire a vibrant culture within the public safety department that breeds an aura of excellence, focus, diligence, and inspirational and progressive attitudes when dealing with our clients, customers, and stakeholders,” he said.
Masingi Masingita, one of the security officers who received an award, was joyful about the events of the day. Masingi felt honoured that her dedication to the City was appreciated.
Another security officer, Sithembele Ndlovu, couldn’t contain her excitement. “As a security guard for the City I feel seen and recognised because we work hard to create a safer community for residents of Joburg,” Ndlovu said.
Cllr Tembe told awardees to keep their heads up and learn that “you’re not here to be security officers only, there is so much you can do for the City; you are Joburg’s finest”.
Written by Bongiwe Radebe and Dakalo Ramudidibi
22/03/2022