Debate on the dissolution of Johannesburg Council to take place soon

24 November 2023

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg has received official confirmation that our motion to dissolve the Johannesburg Council has been successfully cleared by the programming committee and is set to be tabled by the end of November. This pivotal development marks a critical juncture for the political landscape of the city.

Johannesburg has regrettably become synonymous with cadre deployment, fruitless and wasteful expenditure, and a systematic avoidance of accountability. Despite numerous attempts to address these failures within the council, the coalition has hidden behind superficial displays of activity for the cameras. The result is a city in crisis, with service delivery in a downward spiral, unpaid contractors, and sewage spills plaguing our streets. The current government's negligence demonstrates a lack of genuine concern for the residents of Johannesburg.

As voices from civil society join our call for the dissolution of the council, the residents of Johannesburg stand at the precipice of a crucial decision. This DA-motion will allow the Speaker and all political parties to reveal their true commitment to service delivery and the well-being of our city's residents.

We urge all political parties to rise above self-interest and join the DA's call for the restoration of power to the residents. Together, with the people of Johannesburg, we can rescue our city and restore it to its former glory as the City of Gold.

The recent High Court judgment declaring Floyd Brink's appointment as Johannesburg's City Manager unconstitutional, unlawful, and invalid is a testament to the DA's unwavering commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law.

Our victory in this matter reinforces our longstanding position that Brink's deployment was unlawful. The judgment underscores the blatant flouting of processes by the Mayor and the Speaker of the council, revealing the depth of corruption that has permeated Johannesburg's governance.

It is increasingly evident that stability in Johannesburg can only be achieved through the dissolution of the Council. The DA remains resolute in its mission to give the voters of Johannesburg the opportunity to choose a path of responsible and accountable governance for the future of our beloved city.

Statement issued by Cllr Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku - DA Johannesburg Caucus Leader, 24 November 2023