Johannesburg council must be dissolved

Dear Editor

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg has been vindicated by the High Court Judgment declaring Floyd Brink’s appointment by the ANC/EFF/PA coalition, as Johannesburg’s City Manager unconstitutional, unlawful and invalid. We welcome the judgment and call on the City to immediately implement the remedies ordered by the court.

This follows the DA’s urgent application in May 2023 to have the appointment decision reviewed. The DA has always maintained that Brink’s deployment was unlawful.

This judgment strengthens our resolve to ensure that the Johannesburg Council is dissolved so that fresh elections can take place, giving the voters themselves the opportunity to resolve the crisis of governance in the City.

The Judgment confirms the DA’s contention that the Mayor and the Speaker of council blatantly flouted processes to ensure Brink’s unlawful appointment. Johannesburg’s rot has now been laid bare, and it is a disgrace that a High Court Judgment was necessary to force the City to follow due process.

The DA upholds constitutionalism and the rule of law in all circumstances. The City Manager position is often coveted by the corrupt because of its central role in decision-making.

Our victory in this matter safeguards the residents of Johannesburg against further decay and blatant disregard for the rule of law by the ANC/EFF Doomsday Coalition that continues to flout processes to purge hard working officials to make way for cadres aligned to them.

It is increasingly clear that the only way there can be stability in Johannesburg is through the dissolution of Council.

Regards

Cllr Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku
DA Johannesburg Caucus Leader