'A group of friends with no Constitutional mandate': Joburg's Bomb Squad slammed as undemocratic
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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.
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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.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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