Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read | 15 August 2025 | 15:18 CAT

From Dudu Myeni to Helen Botes: OUTA’s next big delinquent director case.

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) has taken decisive legal action to hold former Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) CEO, Helen Burtis, accountable for alleged misconduct that they claim led to loss of life and unlawful procurement.

Filed in the Johannesburg High Court on 29 July, the application seeks to have Burtis declared a delinquent director for life. This would bar her from serving on any company board, particularly in the public sector. Papers were served on the City of Johannesburg (COJ) and JPC on 4 August, and on Burtis herself on 13 August. The respondents have 10 court days to decide whether to oppose the application.

In an interview with Radio Islam International, OUTA’s Senior Legal Project Manager, Andrea van Heerden, stressed the gravity of the allegations:

“When you have individuals holding public office, especially CEOs or directors of public institutions, it’s critical they comply with the law and act in a manner that does not bring the company or country into disrepute.”

According to OUTA, Burtis failed to act on the deteriorating conditions at the Usindiso building, which burned down in 2023, claiming nearly 76 lives. The building, managed by the JPC, was reportedly illegally occupied and in disrepair.

“They did nothing, yet they knew the building was in disrepute. We say she is directly responsible for the deaths,” Van Heerden stated.

The second allegation concerns the unlawful procurement of COVID-19 cleaning and sanitising services for the JPC, a case OUTA says exemplifies how unchecked authority can lead to abuse and public harm.

Adding to the controversy are unconfirmed reports that Burtis has since been appointed acting COO of the City of Johannesburg despite her suspension over these matters.

“It’s just ridiculous, there is some sort of agenda to keep her within public service,” Van Heerden remarked.

If successful, the case could set a precedent for holding public officials to account nationwide, with Van Heerden noting that similar governance failures plague other municipalities such as eThekwini.

“You need proper leadership in these institutions. This delinquency application could be the open door for government to take accountability seriously,” she said.

OUTA hinted at another major delinquency application in the coming months, signalling a broader push to challenge misconduct in public office.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round-Up with Moulana Juanid Kharsany and Andrea Van Heerden.