October 04, 2024

DA Takes City of Joburg to Court Over 'Unlawful' VIP Protection Policy

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg has taken legal action against the City of Johannesburg (CoJ), challenging its VIP protection policy, which the party claims is irrational, unlawful, and unconstitutional. The policy, approved earlier this year, has led to the city spending over R3 million monthly on VIP protection, employing around 60 bodyguards and using 40 vehicles.

The DA argues that this excessive spending has negatively impacted service delivery, with the city's budget reduced from R83 billion to R76 billion due to falling revenue, exacerbating its financial strain. The party has accused city officials of misusing "blue lights" for VIP protection, violating the Municipal Systems Act.

DA caucus leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku emphasized that while residents are struggling with increased utility costs, water shedding, and load reduction, the city's executives are benefitting from expensive VIP protection at the expense of the public. The party urged the courts to hold the decision-makers accountable and impose a cost order on those responsible for implementing the policy.

The DA is committed to fighting for responsible spending of public funds and ensuring that city resources are used for service delivery rather than excessive VIP protection.