City of Johannesburg Speaker goes against SSA findings

16 August 2023

The DA in Johannesburg demands that the Speaker of Council ceases her unfounded attacks against the Group Head of Forensic Investigative Services (GFIS). The State Security Agency (SSA) launched a full investigation into the allegations and found no wrongdoing.

We note with serious concern press statements where she accuses GFIS of employing counter intelligence surveillance measures against Councillors in the City of Johannesburg.

In an attempt to bolster her political future, Speaker Makhubele has tried to garner favour with other parties, like the ANC, by attempting to legitimise the neutering of GFIS in the June Council sitting.

GFIS was investigating numerous illegal activities perpetrated by members of the current administration, and as a result of the side-lining of the entity has managed to halt all investigations into their alleged illegal activities. The way that justice has been avoided, is an unacceptable way for public representatives to conduct themselves.

The matter of GFIS employing these surveillance measures has been debunked on numerous occasions, a fact that Makhubele continues to ignore.

It is clear to the DA Caucus that the speaker who is facing a vote of no confidence in Council, as well as the withdrawal of her Party, will do anything to stay in her position, while winning favour from the current regime.

The DA will not deviate from our goal – we will continue to ensure accountability while protecting Johannesburg’s residents from the endemic corruption by the doomsday coalition.

The DA stands for the Rule of Law and will ensure that those doomsday coalition Officials who disregard it, are brought to book.

Issued by Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, DA Johannesburg Caucus Leader, 16 August 2023