SAMWU accuses Morero of shielding CoJ COO Botes from corruption allegations
During her time as Johannesburg Property Company CEO, Helen Botes was linked to financial misconduct resulting in the wasteful expenditure of R18 million.
Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero during a press briefing at the Johannesburg Water head offices in Newtown, Johannesburg on 11 November 2024. Picture: Jacques Nelles/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - The South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) is accusing Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero of protecting corruption-accused, Helen Botes, the acting chief operating officer of the city.
Botes served as the CEO of Johannesburg Property Company for over 15 years and was not charged for any of the allegations lodged against her.
The municipal workers gathered at the council chambers in Braamfontein on Thursday morning, calling for her new post to be nullified.
The Johannesburg Property Company oversees more than 32,000 properties valued at billions of rands.
During her time as CEO, Botes was linked to financial misconduct resulting in the wasteful expenditure of R18 million.
She was also at the centre of allegations of money laundering through the buying and selling of properties.
SAMWU regional chairperson Esther Mtatyana: "They are covering her, the person who is behind covering her, Helen Botes, is Dada Morero he is fighting by all means that Helen’s corruption is covered."
SAMWU said it would continue protesting until Botes was removed from her post.
Union SAMWU is threatening to shut down Johannesburg calling for the removal of acting Chief Operating Officer, Helen Botes.
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) January 30, 2025
They are gathered for a demonstration outside the city council in Braamfontein. pic.twitter.com/xpEaSKNxDl