Latest news with #MunicipalStructuresAct
IOL News
23-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
'A group of friends with no Constitutional mandate': Joburg's Bomb Squad slammed as undemocratic
Eldorado Park residents doubt the city's new 'Bomb Squad' led by Dr Snuki Zikalala will bring real solutions. Image: Supplied Residents of Eldorado Park have voiced doubts over the City of Johannesburg's newly formed 'Bomb Squad,' led by Dr. Snuki Zikalala, 74, aimed at tackling the city's persistent service delivery failures. Ward 18 Councillor Juwaitiya Kaldine criticised the initiative, calling it undemocratic and unlawful. 'I believe meaningful impact can only be achieved by lawfully elected councilors, not an unlegislated Bomb Squad,' said Kaldine. 'This is a group of friends with no constitutional mandate that undermines elected local government structures. It's a waste of public funds.' Kaldine argued that municipalities are governed by legislation such as the Municipal Structures Act, the Systems Act, and the Municipal Finance Management Act. 'Does Snuki have the budget and powers to redirect municipal funds? If so, he holds more power than MMCs (Members of the Mayoral Committee). But the MFMA doesn't allow this nonsense,' she said. 'No illegal Bomb Squad will make a meaningful impact; only elected and trusted councilors can.' Another concerned resident, Errol Jacobs, echoed the concern, citing unresolved issues including potholes, power outages, water cuts, and rampant crime. 'The government seems to be looking the other way,' said Jacobs. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ He said they previously launched a community cleaning initiative called Quick Fix, however, it was not quite well received from the community. 'Even though some people didn't support us, we kept going because crime is rising and kids aren't safe, criminals are hiding in overgrown areas.' The area has been struggling with deteriorating infrastructure for over a decade, including blocked drains, overflowing sewage, uncollected waste, and poorly maintained roads. In April, Deputy Police Minister Cassel Mathale visited the area for a ministerial imbizo to address rising gang violence and policing challenges. While the city acknowledged the longstanding problems. However, residents say little has changed. Meanwhile, the City of Johannesburg confirmed that teams from Joburg Water are currently on the ground addressing the issues. Zikalala vowed to collaborate with the community and elected officials. 'We are determined to find a solution,' said Zikalala. 'We will work with the community, councilors, and stakeholders to ensure residents get the services they deserve.' IOL News previously reported that the Bomb Squad was officially announced by Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero at the Soweto Hotel in Kliptown. The task team, made up of ANC- and EFF-linked members as well as former city executives, is expected to focus on 'crime and grime,' law enforcement, and fast-tracking service delivery. 'Business intelligence gathering will be central to the Bomb Squad's work,' Morero said at that time. 'The team will propose proactive interventions, support rapid response teams in hotspot areas, and enable swift action against lawlessness.' The unit includes former city managers and executives such as Blake Mosley-Lefatole, Mavela Dlamini, Professor Trevor Fowler, and Gerald Dumas. Additional members include governance and finance experts from SALGA, the National School of Governance, and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. Audrey Mothupi, CEO of Systemic Logic Group, will coordinate private-sector partnerships. IOL News
IOL News
20-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Mobeni Heights residents unite to oppose proposed ward boundary changes
The Mobeni Heights Civic Association is opposing adjustments by the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB). Image: eThekwini Municipality The Mobeni Heights Civic Association and the eThekwini Municipality have until June 30, 2025, to object to adjustments proposed by the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB). They are just some of the organisations carefully reviewing the MDB proposals, which are rolling out the ward delimitation process in preparation for the 2026 local government elections (LGE). Thabo Manyoni, chairperson of the MDB Board, explained that the board delimits wards every five years preceding the LGE in compliance with the Municipal Structures Act. On Thursday, the Mobeni Heights residents launched a 'stop the split' campaign against ward boundary changes because the proposed demarcation would move Mobeni Heights and part of neighbouring Havenside into Lamontville. Denzil Davan, Mobeni Heights Civic Association chairperson, said the association aims to rally residents to submit individual objections, adding that it has actively opposed the proposal on legal, procedural, and social grounds. Key issues raised: Lack of public awareness: Most residents are unaware of the proposed change. The MDB has not widely disseminated public notices or explanatory material. The proposal violates Section 4(b) of the Municipal Structures Act, which requires the avoidance of unnecessary community fragmentation. Limited political support: Major political parties have remained silent, placing the burden of advocacy entirely on civil society. Legal criteria unmet: Objections highlight potential non-compliance with statutory voter parity limits, insufficient public participation, and unclear motivations for the shift. Davan said the association is educating the public on legal grounds for objection, hosting information sessions and mobilising door-to-door efforts. 'This is not just about redrawing lines. It is about preserving our community, our identity, and our democratic voice.' At a recent eThekwini Executive Committee (Exco) meeting, the redetermination of boundaries to move part of Cato Ridge from eThekwini to the Mkhambathini Municipality was discussed. Sipho Cele, the deputy city manager: Governance, explained that the municipality took the matter to court, intending to review the outcome. He stated that the matter is still in court, and officials are busy with the papers. According to Cele, the two municipalities recently met at Cato Ridge for a site visit in order to evaluate the borders and create a plan of action. Part of the land parcel to be transferred is on the plans of the dry port in Cato Ridge. Among the concerns raised. The infrastructure that belongs to the municipality and that is servicing the community of eThekwini, Cato Ridge Library, Cato Ridge Fire Station, Metro Police offices, and Water and Sanitation pump station/valves. Cost of servicing and maintaining the infrastructure, Losing the new Fire station that is servicing the outer west region, including Hillcrest, Gillits, and Hammersdale. Losing these will affect the services being rendered to the community of eThekwini.
TimesLIVE
06-06-2025
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
DA says Joburg mayor's 'Bomb Squad' a ploy to help ANC cadres
The DA says it will scrutinise the appointments and work of the City of Johannesburg's 'Bomb Squad' — a unit the metro says will assist in halting crime, combating lawlessness and unlocking service delivery. On Thursday, mayor Dada Morero announced the members of the squad, which will be led by ANC veteran Snuki Zikalala. The 12-member team will operate for the next two years. However, DA Johannesburg caucus leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku questioned the constitutionality of establishing the team. She said Morero's initiative was just 'a ploy to help out ANC cadres who have fallen on hard times'. 'It is unclear what the purpose of this squad is and whether it is part of a comprehensive plan to turn service delivery around in Johannesburg,' she said. Kayser-Echeozonjoku said Morero would have to account to the council on which sections of the Municipal Structures Act made provision for what she said were 'seemingly unconstitutional deployees'.
