Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
03 January 2025 | 13:24 CAT

Yusuf Chamda addresses critical governance issues, including the vacant city manager position, emphasizing the need for accountability and effective leadership in Johannesburg. (File-photo: Ahmed Kathrada Foundation)

Johannesburg – The ongoing leadership vacuum in Johannesburg is raising concerns as the city struggles without a permanent city manager, a position that was vacated following a court ruling. Floyd Brink, the previous city manager, was found to have been irregularly appointed in February 2023, with the Johannesburg High Court ruling that he must vacate his position.

The absence of a permanent city manager has left a critical leadership gap. Yunus Chamda, a member of the Johannesburg Crisis Alliance, highlighted the challenges this situation brings in an interview with Radio Islam International, stating, “The city does not have a city manager at the moment… it is worrying for the city’s functioning.” The position of city manager holds significant weight, managing both the administrative and political aspects of the city’s operations. Without a clear leader, the city faces immense instability, exacerbating the already complex governance issues.

The Johannesburg Crisis Alliance, established in 2023 by concerned citizens and organizations, has advocated for an independent agency to oversee the recruitment process for a new city manager. Chamda emphasized, “An independent process will ensure the right candidate is chosen based on competence, ethics, and qualifications.”

The situation is further complicated by reports suggesting that controversial candidates are under consideration. One such candidate is Helen Botes, CEO of Joburg Property Company, who has faced numerous allegations and scandals, including her involvement in the Usindiso building fire, which claimed 76 lives. The Johannesburg Crisis Alliance has expressed concerns about her potential appointment, with Chamda stating, “It would compromise the entire process.”

Amid these uncertainties, the public is urged to hold local councillors accountable. Chamda stressed that residents must engage actively with their ward councillors to ensure transparency and accountability in the process. “Residents need to be vocal through platforms like social media to apply pressure on the city to ensure things are done correctly,” he concluded.

The leadership crisis in Johannesburg remains a pressing issue, with the city’s future dependent on a well-managed and transparent process to fill the vacant city manager role.

Listen to the full interview with Moulana Habib Bobat and Yunus Chamda in Sabahul Muslim here.