Dear Editor
Today, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg, formally opened criminal cases against several senior City officials. This comes in response to serious allegations of misconduct and financial mismanagement at the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC).
The charges are based on the findings of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) under Proclamation R23 of 2020, which lead to Unauthorised, Irregular, Fruitless and Wasteful Expenditure in excess of R18.3 million involving the following individuals:
- Helen Botes – Former CEO of the Johannesburg Property Company
- Imraan Bhamjee – Former CFO of the Johannesburg Property Company
- Fitzgerald Ramaboea – Senior Manager, Supply Chain Management
- Gowrie Sunker – General Manager, Special Projects
- Nandisa Zondo – Manager, Supply Chain Management
The SIU’s investigations uncovered shocking irregularities in procurement and financial management processes at JPC. It is evident from the lack of action on these findings, that the City itself and the ANC-EFF-PA-ActionSA Executive lack the will to act. This has forced the DA’s hand, as we cannot stand idle by while the public purse is ransacked.
Instead of holding those implicated to account, the City commissioned a legal opinion that appears aimed at discrediting the SIU’s work, rather than implementing its recommendations. Despite the DA’s efforts through every available council avenue, we were blocked and prohibited from forcing accountability. We trust that the Justice system will hold those who betray the public accountable.
Even more concerning, whistleblowers have come forward to inform us that the implicated officials have allegedly bragged that they are untouchable — no matter how many cases are opened — because of their political connections at various levels of government.
We have also been cautioned that any harm to those of us taking action today should not be dismissed as coincidental.
Today, we have submitted a comprehensive dossier of evidence to the South African Police Service — including the SIU proclamation, relevant Council reports, previous SIU findings, correspondence, and the City’s commissioned legal opinion. We have formally requested that this matter be escalated to the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority for full investigation.
Johannesburg residents deserve to know the full truth, and they deserve real accountability.
Where the City has failed, the DA will act without fear or favour. We remain fully committed to rooting out corruption, protecting the public purse, and ensuring that no one — no matter how politically connected — is above the law.
Regards
Cllr Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku
DA Johannesburg Caucus Leader