Johannesburg – The appointment of Helen Botes as the Acting Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the City of Johannesburg has come under the spotlight after the Democratic Alliance (DA) insisted the council did not give the necessary go-ahead.
“The DA in Johannesburg, alongside the rest of the City, is shocked to see Helen Botes conducting television interviews as Acting Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the City of Johannesburg, without Council’s approval of her appointment,” said Cllr Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku in a statement on Monday, (14 April 2025).
“Her appointment to this position, without the Council’s approval, is in contravention of the Municipal Systems Act.”
Botes was appointed acting COO of the City of Johannesburg last month despite legal and ethical concerns.
Cllr Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku said the DA has written to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) to demand his intervention in the continued violation of specifically, Section 56 of the Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 as it relates to the appointment of an acting COO without council approval.
“Despite queries to the MMC of Group Corporate and Shared Services, Cllr Loyiso Masuku, the Executive Mayor Dada Morero and the Group Head of Group Governance, the DA has been met with silence,” said Cllr Kayser-Echeozonjoku.
“The DA notes, and reminds the executive that in the February 2025 Council meeting, Cllr Masuku made a commitment that arrangements for Ms. Botes’ appointment would be brought to council.”
Cllr Kayser-Echeozonjoku said according to the Municipal Systems Amendment Act 32 of 2000, only the council can approve Section 56 managers in consultation with the City Manager.
“That never happened. Subsequently, her appointment is illegal,” Cllr Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku said.
“We have also been reliably informed that Ms. Botes’ contract was extended irregularly by the board of JPC, while she worked there as CEO.
“The DA understands that a flurry of activity is currently underway to get a legal opinion to justify the irregular extension of her contract which would ultimately pave way for her to continue to act irregularly as COO.”
Cllr Kayser-Echeozonjoku said the City continues to trample on its own residents with irregular appointments that eventually can, and will in all likelihood, be legally challenged.
“Despite our best efforts to get answers over months from the City, in council, and also requests to comply with the rule of law, we are left with no option but to demand that the Minister of COGTA intervenes,” said Cllr Kayser-Echeozonjoku.
“We have asked the Minister to also look at all decisions signed off by Ms Botes during the term of her irregular extension and during her time as acting COO without council approval.
“Historically, Botes’s name has been linked to corruption and scandal.
“She has been implicated in personal protection equipment corruption, with damning findings in the SIU proclamation R23 of 2020.
“We are exploring all options and reserve our rights in this matter.”
*Engilsh soundbite by Cllr Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku here. Also, see attached the letter to the Minister of COGTA here.
