Staff Reporter
The DA in Johannesburg has raised concerns about the extension of Johannesburg Property Company Chief Executive Officer Helen Botes’ contract by another five years.
The party said on Monday that the process behind Botes’ contract extension raised significant concerns around governance, transparency, and accountability within the ANC-ActionSA-EFF coalition government.
DA Johannesburg caucus leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku said it was unacceptable that the board convened in a rushed meeting to extend Botes’ contract, reportedly under direction from executive mayor Dada Morero.
“We demand answers on why political figures are involved in decisions that should be impartial, legal, and in the city’s best interests,” Kayser-Echeozonjoku said in a statement.
She added that the DA was particularly alarmed that this extension was granted for a full five years after the previous contract had expired, bypassing due process.
The JPC oversees more than 32,000 properties valued at billions of rands, and Johannesburg cannot afford for this crucial agency to be embroiled in controversy—especially given Botes’ prior allegations of corruption.
The Special Investigating Unit has previously linked her and other officials to financial misconduct, resulting in wasteful expenditure estimated at R18 million.
Her reappointment to this high-stakes role, without proper vetting or Council consultation, is indefensible, said the DA.
“The DA will monitor this situation closely and is prepared to escalate actions should the city’s leadership fail to fulfill its duty to Johannesburg residents,” said Kayser-Echeozonjoku.
“We are committed to protecting the interests of the people of Johannesburg and will not allow the city to fall victim to unlawful political maneuvering. The DA reserves its rights and will explore all available avenues to hold the ANC-ActionSA-EFF administration accountable.”
The DA is expected to formally write to Joburg City Manager Floyd Brink and the mayor to demand that her contract extension be rescinded and a fair, transparent process followed to appoint a CEO.
“We are calling for a thorough investigation into all transactions overseen by Ms. Botes to ensure that public funds have been managed responsibly,” she said.
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