News24 reports that the City of Johannesburg has announced that it has decided not to renew a contract which provided privately-sponsored pointsmen at traffic hotspots.  

The city's public safety spokesperson, councillor Michael Sun, said in a statement last week that the last day of the contract would be on Friday.  “This comes as Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) upgraded its function and appointed an additional 180 Traffic Wardens who will be deployed to ensure that traffic continues to be managed efficiently.  This process is part of JMPD's legislative and core mandate to ensure a free-traffic flow while ensuring drive, passenger and pedestrian safety," Sun indicated.  The decision was met with disappointment by OUTsurance and Traffic FreeFlow (TFF).  OUTsurance CEO Danie Matthee said the announcement caught them off guard.  TFF CEO Bheki Zondo observed:  "The pointsmen project was dubbed as one of Joburg’s most successful public private partnerships and we are extremely proud of all of the brave pointsmen and women who have delivered this hugely loved service.

• Read this report by Jenna Etheridge in full at News24

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