Joburg DA accuses ANC-led coalition of exploiting majority to pass harmful motions
The party pointed to the recent ruling by the Johannesburg High Court, declaring the city's decision to increase the mayor’s and other officials' security details as unconstitutional.
Democratic Alliance (DA) flag. Picture: X/@DA_Gauteng
JOHANNESBURG - The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg has accused the African National Congress (ANC)-led coalition government of exploiting its majority to pass harmful motions in the council.
The party pointed to the recent ruling by the Johannesburg High Court, declaring the city's decision to increase the mayor’s and other officials' security details as unconstitutional.
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In 2024, the ANC-Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) coalition voted to assign 10 bodyguards and a fleet of six cars to the city’s mayor.
However, the High Court ruled that the city failed to provide adequate justification to boost their security detail.
The City of Johannesburg’s VIP protection policy, which was adopted in council in March 2024, allocated additional bodyguards and blue-light vehicles to office bearers.
This policy would require the metro to spend R3 million a month on 60 bodyguards and a fleet of 40 vehicles.
DA leader in Johannesburg, Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, said the court's ruling highlights how the ANC-led coalition misused its majority to push the policy through.
“Unfortunately, the city has had to learn yet another costly lesson in the rule of law. Residents of Johannesburg will have to pay for the lack of good governance and due diligence by the city.”
The DA said it is appalling that the government in Johannesburg wants to spend money on bodyguards rather than redirecting the funds to service delivery.