Concerns Mount Over Potential Appointment of Joburg Property Company CEO as City Manager
The Johannesburg Crisis Alliance has voiced strong concerns over reports that Helen Botes, the current CEO of the Joburg Property Company (JPC), is being considered for the crucial position of city manager for Johannesburg.
Dysfunction and Scandals at the JPC
Tessa Dooms, representing the Alliance, highlighted the ongoing crisis in Johannesburg, particularly in the areas of housing and property. She pointed to the dysfunction within the JPC under Botes's leadership as a major cause for concern.
Several specific issues were raised:
Co-tender Scandal: A major scandal involving improper tendering processes.
Unaccounted Billboard Expenditure: Questions surrounding the allocation and oversight of funds spent on billboards.
Neglect of Inner-City Buildings: The dangerous neglect of buildings in the inner city, tragically exemplified by the Marshalltown fire.
Lack of Accountability and Political Faith
Dooms emphasized the lack of accountability for these serious issues and questioned the continued faith placed in Botes by political figures.
A Broader Crisis of Governance
The discussion expanded to encompass the broader problem of contested appointments and the underlying issue of corruption, which is fueled by low oversight and political instability. Dooms suggested that the instability in city management might be intentional, creating opportunities for the misuse of public funds.
The Need for Stronger Oversight
The importance of strengthening oversight policies was stressed as a more effective solution than simply changing personnel. The role of elected councilors in ensuring accountability for multi-billion Rand budgets is critical. However, many councilors are not adequately equipped to perform their oversight duties effectively.
A Call for Transparency and Action
Dooms called for councilors to fulfill their responsibilities and for increased transparency and feedback from Section 79 committees. The accountability crisis extends to provincial and national levels, raising questions about their involvement and concern.
The interview concludes with a call for residents to exert political pressure, alongside legal action, to address the systemic issues plaguing Johannesburg. Dooms stressed the urgent need for residents to organize, demand accountability, and pressure those in power to prevent the city from descending further into crisis.
Interview by Newzroom Afrika.
