The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) is taking a firm and uncompromising stance against the City of Johannesburg’s blatant refusal to account for its actions. On 30 January 2025 at 09:00, SAMWU shop stewards and members will assemble at Metro Centre, Braamfontein, to demand answers, accountability, and justice regarding the Helen Botes/JPC scandal.

This demonstration will coincide with the Johannesburg Council sitting, where key decisions affecting the city’s governance will are made. It is important that Councillors and City officials hear our demands and respond to the serious allegations of corruption and maladministration.

The City’s deliberate obstruction and refusal to disclose crucial information is a betrayal of transparency and good governance. In response, we will deliver a formal petition to City, exercising our constitutional right to protest, as enshrined in Section 17 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

SAMWU demands full and immediate disclosure on the following critical issues:

• The awarding of a highly questionable contract to Kunene Ramapala Incorporated for revenue collection on behalf of JPC.
• The contract approval process—who authorised it, and on what grounds?
• The deviation from normal procurement procedures, in clear violation of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
• The shocking 25% commission fee, amounting to R17.5 million per month, funnelled through the law firm’s trust account.
• The staggering R210 million allegedly collected by the law firm in just one year—has this been independently audited?
• The role of Mayor Morero (MMC for Finance at the time) and the corruption-accused Helen Botes in facilitating this highly suspicious contract.
• A glaring conflict of interest—how did a law firm initially tasked with investigating Helen Botes suddenly become a major beneficiary of a revenue collection contract under her leadership?
• The irregular and dubious appointment of Helen Botes as Acting COO—why was due process ignored despite her controversial track record and questionable associations?

The workers of Johannesburg deserve answers. The residents of this city deserve better. Corruption, mismanagement, and maladministration cannot be tolerated while workers suffer and services collapse. SAMWU will not rest until the City of Johannesburg is held accountable. If transparency is not upheld, we will escalate our actions accordingly. The time for secrecy and impunity is over.

Members of the media are therefore invited to attend and cover the event that will take place as follows: 

Date    : 30 January 2025

Time    : 09:00

Venue  : Metro Centre, Johannesburg

We demand action! We demand justice! We demand accountability!

For media enquiries, contact:

Lebogang Ndawo
SAMWU Regional Deputy Chairperson
081 459 4221