IN CONVERSATION WITH YONGAMA ZIGEBE, UDM Councillor in the City of Johannesburg
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Statement by Yongama Zigebe, Councillor in the City of Johannesburg for the
United Democratic Movement and Chairperson of the S79 Committee on
Gender, Youth and People with Disabilities
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in the City Johannesburg notes with
serious concern the reports that a City of Johannesburg entity allegedly paid
approximately R1 million for a wall that was never built at the Moffat View Old
Age Home. According to media reports, the payment was authorised despite
the work not being completed, with photographic evidence allegedly not
reflecting the actual site.
This matter, involving the Johannesburg Social Housing Company, strikes at the
heart of governance, financial oversight and ethical leadership within the City’s
entities. Whether the funds were later recovered or not, the fact that such a
payment could be processed raises fundamental questions about internal
controls, verification systems and consequence management.
Johannesburg residents are battling deteriorating infrastructure, housing
backlogs, unsafe buildings and declining service delivery. At a time when every
rand must stretch to serve the poor and vulnerable, allegations of payments for
work that never materialised are not just irregularities, they are betrayals of
public trust.
We note that internal investigations and forensic processes have reportedly
been initiated. However, the UDM in the City Johannesburg insists that
transparency must accompany these processes. The people of Johannesburg
deserve clear answers:
09:15
1. Who authorised the payment and on what verification basis?
2. What due diligence was conducted before disbursement?
3. Were supply chain processes followed?
4. What disciplinary steps have been taken against implicated officials?
5. How will the City strengthen controls to prevent recurrence?
The UDM in the City Johannesburg further calls on the City Council and the
relevant oversight committees to exercise their constitutional responsibilities
without fear or favour. If wrongdoing is established, there must be visible and
swift consequences. Accountability cannot depend on media exposure.
This incident once again underscores the urgent need to professionalise
municipal administration, depoliticise appointments in city entities, and ensure
that senior positions are filled on merit and integrity, not networks and
patronage.
Johannesburg cannot afford “ghost projects” while communities live without
basic infrastructure. Every cent mismanaged is a cent stolen from residents who
rely on the City for housing, safety and dignity.
The UDM in the City Johannesburg will continue to monitor this matter closely
and will push for full disclosure and corrective action. Clean governance is not
optional. It is the minimum standard our people deserve.
United Democratic Movement and Chairperson of the S79 Committee on
Gender, Youth and People with Disabilities
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in the City Johannesburg notes with
serious concern the reports that a City of Johannesburg entity allegedly paid
approximately R1 million for a wall that was never built at the Moffat View Old
Age Home. According to media reports, the payment was authorised despite
the work not being completed, with photographic evidence allegedly not
reflecting the actual site.
This matter, involving the Johannesburg Social Housing Company, strikes at the
heart of governance, financial oversight and ethical leadership within the City’s
entities. Whether the funds were later recovered or not, the fact that such a
payment could be processed raises fundamental questions about internal
controls, verification systems and consequence management.
Johannesburg residents are battling deteriorating infrastructure, housing
backlogs, unsafe buildings and declining service delivery. At a time when every
rand must stretch to serve the poor and vulnerable, allegations of payments for
work that never materialised are not just irregularities, they are betrayals of
public trust.
We note that internal investigations and forensic processes have reportedly
been initiated. However, the UDM in the City Johannesburg insists that
transparency must accompany these processes. The people of Johannesburg
deserve clear answers:
09:15
1. Who authorised the payment and on what verification basis?
2. What due diligence was conducted before disbursement?
3. Were supply chain processes followed?
4. What disciplinary steps have been taken against implicated officials?
5. How will the City strengthen controls to prevent recurrence?
The UDM in the City Johannesburg further calls on the City Council and the
relevant oversight committees to exercise their constitutional responsibilities
without fear or favour. If wrongdoing is established, there must be visible and
swift consequences. Accountability cannot depend on media exposure.
This incident once again underscores the urgent need to professionalise
municipal administration, depoliticise appointments in city entities, and ensure
that senior positions are filled on merit and integrity, not networks and
patronage.
Johannesburg cannot afford “ghost projects” while communities live without
basic infrastructure. Every cent mismanaged is a cent stolen from residents who
rely on the City for housing, safety and dignity.
The UDM in the City Johannesburg will continue to monitor this matter closely
and will push for full disclosure and corrective action. Clean governance is not
optional. It is the minimum standard our people deserve.
