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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg has written to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and the Public Protector regarding the systematic capture of the City of Johannesburg by the African National Congress (ANC) and the Patriotic Alliance (PA).

It has come to our attention that there are a number of staff members working in different capacities in the City of Johannesburg while at the same time holding political office in political parties. Whilst some parties in the city may be participating in public fights, we need to be clear that these public spats are nothing but a fight over who has access to the city’s coffers.

These cadres are spread in strategic positions by the ANC making it easy for them to take verbal instructions, cover up allegations of corruption and continues to ensure that accountability is evaded for their political masters.

The basis for the complaint is that section 71B of the Municipal Systems Act, as amended, stipulates that: “A staff member may not hold political office in a political party, whether in a permanent, temporary or acting capacity.” Therefore, the following officials are illegally employed:

An ANC Youth League NEC Member deployed in a key role in the Human Settlement Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSHCO)

Members of the ANC Regional Executive Committee (REC) in the City of Johannesburg who have key roles in decision making in their political party serve as various advisors in the Executive Mayor’s office

Various Regional Directors who are responsible to direct service delivery through Citizen Relations and Urban Management have positions in the ANC REC with decision making powers even as additional members.

While graduates and professionals with relevant qualifications find themselves unemployed; these cadres have been handed their spots. Being aligned with a political party is not a qualification, nor can it be the criteria for being employed in the city.

We strongly condemn the blatant disregard for the rule of law and the Municipal Structures Act by the Doomsday Coalition. The DA will not sit by and watch how they capture the City and cripple service delivery.

Issued by Cllr Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku - DA Johannesburg Caucus Leader