What began as a routine Uber ride turned into a harrowing ordeal for Vlottenburg Primary teacher, Denusha Nicholas, who says she had to leap from a moving vehicle to save her life. The incident, which unfolded on August 28, has raised fresh concerns about rider safety and the illegal use of e-hailing accounts by unregistered drivers.
Nicholas had booked an Uber after school to travel to her home in Stellendale, Kuils River. From the outset, she sensed something was amiss when the driver phoned to say he needed to fetch his child before collecting her. Once inside the vehicle, matters quickly escalated.
Instead of driving towards Kuils River, the car veered off in the opposite direction. “When I questioned him, he ignored me and kept adjusting the rear-view mirror to watch me,” she recalled. Alarmed, Nicholas phoned her mother, shared her live location, and prayed with her while trying to remain calm.
The situation worsened when she attempted to change her drop-off point to Zevenwacht Mall. The driver locked the doors, claiming not to understand English, before uttering chilling words: “You are going to see what’s going to happen.” Nicholas said he then increased the volume of the music and kept turning to look at her.
Realising she was in danger, she managed to unlock the door and jump from the moving car. She injured herself in the process, but believes the decision saved her life. Two motorists who witnessed the escape came to her aid and ensured she reached safety.
Her family later discovered that the man behind the wheel was not the registered Uber driver but his brother, who had allegedly been operating the account illegally. Uber has confirmed it is cooperating with police, while SAPS has opened a case of attempted kidnapping.
Nicholas has since urged others to remain vigilant. “If something feels wrong, cancel the trip immediately. Safety must come before convenience,” she said.
Authorities have called on the public to report suspicious activity to Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the MySAPS app.
Johannesburg City Council Announces Latest Job Vacancies
The City of Johannesburg has opened applications for a wide range of vacancies, offering opportunities across multiple sectors in municipal service. The announcement comes as the city continues to push its agenda of tackling unemployment while strengthening public service delivery.
Roles Across Departments
The vacancies span critical areas such as health, public safety, housing, infrastructure, and community services. Positions advertised this week include:
- Administrative officers to support municipal operations.
- Environmental health practitioners to address pressing concerns around waste management, sanitation, and public hygiene.
- Traffic wardens and JMPD recruits, bolstering law enforcement capacity.
- Engineers and artisans to help upgrade water, electricity, and road infrastructure.
- General workers for parks, cemeteries, and public facilities.
City spokesperson Nthabiseng Moiloa said the recruitment drive is part of efforts to strengthen service delivery while creating employment pathways for residents. “Johannesburg is South Africa’s economic hub, but the city is only as strong as the people who serve it. By hiring across levels, we aim to give both skilled professionals and entry-level workers a chance to contribute to growth and stability,” Moiloa said.
Focus on Youth Employment
A notable feature of the vacancies is the emphasis on youth employment. The City has allocated several internship and learnership opportunities targeting matriculants and graduates. These include trainee programmes in finance, IT, and urban planning.
“Young people make up the largest portion of our unemployed population,” said Moiloa. “Through structured mentorship and skills development, we want to ensure that Johannesburg’s youth gain work experience while actively contributing to the city’s development.”
Application Process
Applicants can view and apply for vacancies through the official City of Johannesburg website under the Careers section. The city has also urged residents to ignore fake job ads circulating on social media and to rely only on official platforms.
Applications generally require a detailed CV, certified copies of qualifications, and proof of residence. Some roles, such as those in law enforcement, require additional screening, including physical fitness tests and criminal background checks.
Tackling Service Delivery Challenges
Analysts note that the recruitment comes at a critical time for Johannesburg, which has faced growing criticism over service delivery failures ranging from water shortages to power cuts and pothole-riddled roads. By filling key vacancies, the city hopes to restore confidence among residents.
Civic activist Thabo Mahlangu welcomed the recruitment but cautioned against bureaucracy. “The jobs are a positive step, but what matters is whether these new appointments actually translate into cleaner streets, reliable water, and safer neighbourhoods. Too often, staff are hired but residents don’t see the results,” he said.
Public Reaction
The news of vacancies has already sparked excitement among job seekers. Social media platforms were abuzz on Friday with residents tagging friends and family members in posts sharing links to the City’s official portal.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote: “Finally, some hope! I’m applying for the general worker position. Even if it’s small, it’s a start.” Another resident highlighted the need for transparency in the hiring process, urging the City to ensure fairness.
Deadline and Next Steps
Most of the advertised posts close in the final week of September, though some specialist roles have extended deadlines. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly by the City’s Human Resources department.
Moiloa concluded: “We encourage residents to apply and become part of building a city that works for all. This is not just about jobs—it’s about service, dignity, and creating a Johannesburg that is inclusive and resilient.”
With unemployment still stubbornly high across South Africa, the Johannesburg City Council’s vacancies offer a crucial opportunity for residents to secure meaningful work while directly shaping the future of their city.
About the Author
