Note to Editor: Please find a soundbite by Cllr Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku attached here
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg has been reliably informed that the board of the Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSHCO) resolved to suspend their Chief Operating Officer (COO). The COO’s suspension, who is also a ANCYL NEC member, follows allegations of corruption, maladministration and interference with investigations.
The suspension letter, however, was never served on the COO. The truth of the matter is that the board resolutions, have been concealed from the public, in order for the City Manager to second the COO to the position of Acting CEO of the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA).
This is the most brazen example of cadre deployment we have seen in a long time.
Staff members who raise concerns of corruption, are threatened with suspension, intimidated and fear for their lives.
We have seen a case number and statement of a staff member who, after lodging a grievance, was kidnapped by people pretending to be police, taken to an undisclosed location, and tortured – he still has the burn marks from the molten plastic on his back. During this gruelling experience, he was told to ‘stop giving management hassles. His ordeal ended when he was dumped naked in Alexandra.
The City of Johannesburg is run like a Mafia State. Cadres remind staff that they are untouchable and threaten them if they do speak up.
We commend the staff of JOSHCO, for signing a petition to oust the COO.
The DA will not stand by and watch cadre deployment, corruption and evasion of the rule of law. Therefore, we have requested the minutes of that board meeting where the resolutions were taken, and requested the full details of the GFIS investigations involving JOSHCO.
We will ensure accountability, and despite the ANC’s belief, this type of vile cadre deployment will not be tolerated.