Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
28 February 2025 | 08:22 CAT

The City of Johannesburg is on the brink of collapse, and senior officials and staff are incapable of managing its issues. (Source – DA)

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg has formally written to the Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the Honorable Velenkosini Hlabisa, the Minister of Public Services and Administration, Honorable Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, and the Auditor General, calling for urgent intervention in the City of Johannesburg’s governance. The opposition party demands lifestyle and skills audits be conducted on senior officials, citing a scathing report from the Auditor General.

The call for these audits follows a series of alarming findings in the latest Auditor General’s report, which highlights inefficiencies, lack of capability, and possible fraudulent use of City assets. “The City of Johannesburg officials are not capable, not efficient, and not productive,” DA representative Belinda Kaiser Echeozonjoku told Radio Islam International. She further noted that some officials might be manipulating procurement processes for personal gain.

The DA initially approached the Executive Mayor more than a week ago, requesting that he initiate the audits. However, after receiving no response, they escalated the matter to the national ministers, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability. “The Executive Mayor, as the City’s first citizen, should be spearheading this initiative, yet there has been no acknowledgment of our request,” Echeozonjoku added.

A critical issue raised by the DA is Johannesburg’s ongoing water crisis, which they argue is exacerbated by mismanagement and corruption within Johannesburg Water. They have previously called for the dissolution of the utility’s board, citing undue influence in procurement decisions. “The City is collapsing before our eyes,” warned Echeozonjoku.

Further compounding concerns is the City’s consistent failure in legal battles. Johannesburg has lost numerous court cases, including those related to land preservation, environmental issues, and service provider disputes. “It is impossible for a competent legal team to continuously lose cases,” Echeozonjoku stated, suggesting that officials’ incompetence or conflicts of interest may be the cause.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has previously recommended lifestyle audits, but no action has been taken. “Public representatives are elected to serve residents. Ignoring these reports is a complete disregard for the people of Johannesburg,” Echeozonjoku concluded.

The DA awaits a response from national government officials, insisting that these audits are crucial in restoring integrity and efficiency to the City’s administration.

Listen to the full interview with Moulana Junaid Kharsany and DA representative Belinda Kaiser Echeozonjoku on Your World Today.