Metro spokesperson Sam Modiba says this is part of an initiative aimed at promoting community safety and by-law enforcement in the city.
“By the end of 2014, the programme is expected to have 1 010 volunteers enlisted as volunteers, who will be enrolled at the EMPD training academy and receive basic training that will equip them for their duties,” says Modiba.
“The programme equips unemployed youths with skills and experience in the area of law enforcement, with the aim of enhancing their employability and motivating them to extend their knowledge in pursuing careers in the field.”
Member of the Mayoral Committee responsible for Community Safety Mthuthuzeli Siboza says the fundamental goal of the project is to make Ekurhuleni a safer place.
He believes that by training young people in the community to serve as the eyes and ears of law enforcers may help rid the city of various social ills within its communities.
“The EMPD Peace Corps programme not only serves as a community defence mechanism, but will also aid the city in making a difference in addressing the alarming unemployment rate,” explains Siboza.
The recruitment of the 1 010 is ward-based, and 10 youths in each ward will be signed for a period of 24 months.
A total of 100 recruits have already been trained and placed in their wards, another 250 will be taken in by the end of September, December and March respectively.
The last 150 will join between April and June 2014.
Peace Corps volunteer Johannes Matlabe says the programme has brought about positive changes in his life in a very small space of time.
“We are learning how to maintain peace and order in our communities as well as other valuable life skills, like how to serve in a respectful manner,” said Matlabe.
Ekurhuleni mayor Mondli Gungubele first announced the initiative during his State of the City address in March, stating that R78-m would go towards the implementation of the programme.
