The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg is following the enquiry into the Usindiso (Johannesburg CBD Fire) closely. Despite the magnifying glass that has been cast on the city, there has been no consequence management in the City.

The MMC of Economic Development acknowledges that the city "dropped the ball” but still passes accountability to the board.

What is more concerning is that on the 30th of March 2021, the SIU issued findings against the CEO of the Johannesburg Property Company and recommended that disciplinary action be taken against her, in February 2022, for a matter relating to Personal Protective Equipment corruption. Then Acting City Manager, issued a directive that the recommendations be implemented, the CEO of JPC was put on suspension under the Multiparty coalition, but those decisions were promptly overturned by the ANC-EFF-PA-Al Jamaah coalition and she was brought back.

The same CEO is still at the helm of JPC, which is also the custodian of City owned buildings like Usindiso.

In 2023, 77 people lost their lives in a building managed by JPC with a board who is filled with people from the ANC branch of the MMC of Economic Development – yet another example of cadre deployment hampering service delivery.

Most concerning, however, is the shared acknowledgement from the director of Development Planning, the MMC of Economic Development, and the CEO of JPC of their negligence, while abdicating responsibility and accountability.

How is it that one executive, can consecutively admit fault, claim to understand their role in the lives lost, but not accept any of the responsibility or accountability? The city, council, and people across South Africa deserve answers.

We will ensure that those responsible for the gross negligence leading to this devastating disaster are held to account in council. We expect better from our public servants.

 

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