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Last week's budget speech by Finance MMC, Cllr Dada Morero of the ANC, revealed a shocking revelation. R5 billion from the 2023/2024 budget has been allocated to the Good Governance Cluster, which claims to uphold accountability and ethical conduct. However, the actions of Cllr Morero and Executive Mayor Cllr Kabelo Gwamanda, representing Al Jama-ah, have exposed their hollow rhetoric on good governance.

Morero announced initiatives to strengthen administration and expedite service delivery. They emphasised transparent, accountable, and participatory governance. However, the National Treasury assessed the city's governance as shockingly fragile, revealing the hollowness of this rhetoric.

Earlier this year, the coalition of corruption suspended crucial senior officials to appoint Mr. Floyd Brink as City Manager. However, Brink lacked the necessary experience and was implicated in suspicious activities during his tenure. Investigations revealed irregularities in a R320 million procurement process for CCTV and handheld devices in the Public Safety department, implicating Brink directly.

In an attempt to divert attention, Speaker Cllr Colleen Makhubela of COPE levied baseless allegations against General Shadrack Sibiya and GFIS. These allegations were brought forward by officials embroiled in investigations, displaying the Speaker's disregard for ethical conduct. Her motive was to prevent the Panel's decision on the City Manager appointment, guaranteeing the appointment of Brink while disregarding the highly recommended candidate, Mr. Bryne Maduka.

Misconduct and abuse of power have continually occurred, including blocking disciplinary reports, hindering vacancy advertisements, and driving the ANC-agenda of cadre deployment. Unilateral decisions tainted by illegality are continuously being made by the Executive and the Speaker.

The coalition shamelessly reinstated individuals involved in misconduct, including Ms. Vicky Shuping and Aubrey Mochela, who violated the Municipal Code of Conduct. Additionally, the suspension of Mbulelo Ruda, the Head of Group Legal, was lifted despite his involvement in improper activities.

We call for a thorough investigation into these actions and demand justice. Failure to act will embolden the ANC-led coalition to further undermine the law and democratic system.

Johannesburg deserves transparency, ethical leadership and the highest standards of governance. The time for decisive action is now.

Issued by Cllr Nicole Rahn - DA Johannesburg SMMC for GCSS