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Helen Botes Appointed Acting COO Amid Controversy Over Johannesburg City Manager Role

Helen Botes, the controversial Johannesburg Property Company CEO, has been appointed acting Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the City of Johannesburg. This role places her in a position of significant influence, though the appointment has sparked concerns regarding the city’s adherence to the law and governance processes.
The appointment, which was made without full ratification by the council, has raised red flags. According to sources, Botes began taking charge as early as January 23, 2025, holding meetings with department heads and outlining an agenda that seemed to blur the lines between her acting COO role and what many see as an unofficial claim to the acting City Manager position.
Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, DA caucus leader, emphasized the legal requirements for such an appointment, asserting that the Municipal Systems Act mandates the council’s ratification before Botes’ appointment could be deemed valid. “It’s unfortunate that the City continues to violate the Municipal Systems Act in regard to the appointment of senior managers,” said Kayser-Echeozonjoku. This lack of communication and transparency has fueled doubts over the city’s management, especially in light of the recent controversies surrounding Botes’ past.
Helen Botes has long been a figure within the ANC, and her position as a political entrepreneur and power broker cannot be overlooked. Despite multiple scandals throughout her career, including her role in the disastrous Usindiso building fire, Botes has managed to retain her position due to her strong connections within the ANC. The Usindiso Commission of Inquiry highlighted Botes’ direct responsibility for the building’s condition, which led to a fire that tragically killed 76 people. The commission also implicated the Johannesburg Property Company in the disaster. Yet, Botes has managed to sidestep accountability, with many blaming her close ties to ANC leadership for her continued rise in the city’s political landscape.
Critics argue that Botes’ position as CEO of the Johannesburg Property Company, with its board heavily populated by ANC allies, has allowed her to avoid the consequences of her past actions. Furthermore, her involvement in a multimillion-rand PPE scandal and property leasing controversies has raised eyebrows.
Despite this, Botes is eyeing even more significant roles. Her recent push for the city manager position, along with plans for the R27-billion Southern Farms development, has left many questioning her motivations. Botes has expressed interest in applying for the city manager role and sees the Southern Farms project as part of her legacy, though critics argue that her political ambitions may compromise the city’s interests.
Former city manager Floyd Brink’s departure in December 2024, after a court ruling found his appointment to be illegal, highlights the ongoing legal struggles for the City of Johannesburg. The ongoing uncertainty around Botes’ acting COO appointment and her potential future role as city manager only deepens concerns about the city’s governance practices.
As Johannesburg navigates this complex political and legal landscape, citizens and political leaders are calling for more transparency and accountability in the city’s decision-making processes. Whether Botes will manage to solidify her influence or face further legal challenges remains to be seen.
While Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has yet to make a decision about Botes’ future in the city’s leadership, the appointment of a powerful ANC figure like Botes is a clear indication of her political maneuvering. As the city grapples with budget deficits and administrative challenges, many are questioning whether Botes’ legacy projects, including Southern Farms, will ultimately benefit Johannesburg or serve her political ambitions.
The DA, led by Kayser-Echeozonjoku, has vowed to continue scrutinizing the City’s actions and ensuring that legal processes are followed. However, the influence of ANC cadres like Botes continues to shape the future of Johannesburg’s governance, raising critical questions about accountability and political power in the city.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Botes will ever officially take the reins as City Manager or if the ongoing legal challenges will result in further turmoil for Johannesburg’s leadership.
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