2009-10-30: The Ultimate Sacrifice – In Memoriam
The Acting Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Mr Parks Tau, has been joined by top ranking city officials, including the MMC for Public Safety, Ms Elginah Ndhlovu, Dr Audrey Gule and Mr Chris Ngcobo, who are Executive Heads of EMS and JMPD respectively, delegates from Matola (Mozambique), Greater Sekhukhune and Rustenburg Municipalities, in the first ever memorial service, dedicated to all EMS and JMPD officials who died in the line of duty, today here at the Liberty Church in Ferndale, Randburg.
This Ceremony is also meant to recognize the dedication, commitment, resilience, selflessness and the indefatigable spirit of our serving members in making the city an injury free and accident free metropolis. In more ways than one, EMS and JMPD members across-the-board have shown real character in response to their calling.
It is for this reason that in recognition of their selfless contributions towards the overall and holistic achievement of the Public Safety’s core objectives, a service of this magnitude and nature be held in their honor.
Total commitment to the cause has passion, motivation and reason to go the extra mile as the end product. Our industry demands constant interaction with the public. In our quest to better our service delivery levels, we have employed cost-cutting measures with regard to motor vehicle accidents involving our own members by introducing accident reduction and driver up-skilling programmes. In addition, our Call Centre staff has been trained in customer service and relations – to mention but a few.
On 22nd July 2009, two MIS Pipelines construction workers, Mr Tebogo Tleane and Mr Patrick Mathe were trapped in an underground water pipeline whilst water-proofing the network in Cosmo City, Randburg. They were overcome by fumes and as a result, were unable to reach the surface. It took a special EMS Search and Rescue Team almost eight hours to rescue them. Their mission was successful – a rare achievement. They are present here today, to tell their harrowing story and to thank their rescuers.
This memorial service will be held annually.
For more Information, Please Contact:
Percy Morokane: +27 (0)11 758 9540
Mobile: +27 (0) 83 288 3751,
e-mail: percymo@joburg.org.za
