Public Protector directs City of Johannesburg to investigate DA complaint into ANC/PA cadre deployment
29 September 2023
The DA welcomes the directive issued by the Public Protector (PP), instructing the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) to investigate our complaint regarding the unlawful deployment of senior Patriotic Alliance (PA) members in high-paying positions within the city. We have lodged complaints about both ANC and PA cadres in the City of Johannesburg as we are of the strong view that the interests of the ANC and PA align.
The DA exposed the PA's manipulation of power through illegal appointments, costing Johannesburg taxpayers millions of rands annually. We called for accountability and transparency in governance, emphasizing our commitment to upholding the principles of good governance and the interests of the citizens of Johannesburg.
Today, we are pleased to announce that the Public Protector has taken our concerns seriously. The directive from the PP makes it clear that the CoJ must investigate the unlawful employment of PA members, including Mr. Charles Cilliers, who held two political offices in the PA while being employed in the municipal administration. This violates recent amendments to the Municipal Systems Act, which prohibits political office-bearers from working in the administration.
The Public Protector's directive reaffirms the importance of holding those in power accountable for their actions and ensuring that political party interests do not take precedence over the welfare of the people. It also underscores the significance of adhering to the Municipal Systems Act, which prohibits staff members from holding political office in a political party while employed by the municipality.