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Following an official request from DA Councillor Belinda Echeozonjoku, Leader of the Opposition in the Johannesburg Council, I have formally submitted a request to the Chairperson of the Public Services and Administration Committee, Jan De Villiers, to engage the Public Service Commission in investigating the alleged unlawful contract extension of Ms. Helen Botes, CEO of the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC).

It is alleged that the JPC Board improperly approved a five-year contract extension for Ms. Botes, bypassing the legislative requirements for senior management appointments within municipal-owned entities. The JPC, as a municipal entity, is bound by national legislation and the City of Johannesburg’s HR policy, which demand strict procedural compliance for senior appointments and contract renewals. Such disregard for due process is concerning, particularly in light of Ms. Botes’s history of controversies and alleged misconduct.

Ms. Botes has previously been scrutinised following 2019 findings by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) citing instances of financial misconduct under her leadership—findings that remain unaddressed, with the SIU’s report reportedly gathering dust in the City Manager’s office. Additionally, her tenure at JPC has been marred by irregular expenditure, especially during Covid-19, failure to maintain city facilities, and questionable procurement practices, raising serious concerns about accountability and transparency under her leadership. These ongoing issues have directly impacted residents and undermined public trust in JPC’s stewardship of Johannesburg’s assets.

The Government of National Unity (GNU) is committed to professionalising the public sector, particularly at the municipal level, which has deteriorated in recent years. This includes promoting a merit-based and transparent approach to public service appointments. The JPC Board’s alleged decision to extend Ms. Botes’s contract—despite her record and without adherence to due process—contradicts this commitment and risks further eroding public confidence in Johannesburg’s governance.

The DA urges the Public Service Commission to undertake a thorough and impartial investigation into this matter.

Issued by Leah Potgieter MP - Deputy Spokesperson of Public Service and Administration