UDM Johannesburg demands accountability over R1 million ‘ghost wall’ payment
Statement by Yongama Zigebe, Councillor in the City of Johannesburg for the United Democratic Movement and Chairperson of the S79 Committee on Gender, Youth and People with Disabilities
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in the City Johannesburg notes with serious concern the reports that a City of Johannesburg entity allegedly paid approximately R1 million for a wall that was never built at the Moffat View Old Age Home. According to media reports, the payment was authorised despite the work not being completed, with photographic evidence allegedly not reflecting the actual site.
This matter, involving the Johannesburg Social Housing Company, strikes at the heart of governance, financial oversight and ethical leadership within the City’s entities. Whether the funds were later recovered or not, the fact that such a payment could be processed raises fundamental questions about internal controls, verification systems and consequence management.
Johannesburg residents are battling deteriorating infrastructure, housing backlogs, unsafe buildings and declining service delivery. At a time when every rand must stretch to serve the poor and vulnerable, allegations of payments for work that never materialised are not just irregularities, they are betrayals of public trust.
We note that internal investigations and forensic processes have reportedly been initiated. However, the UDM in the City Johannesburg insists that transparency must accompany these processes. The people of Johannesburg deserve clear answers:
1. Who authorised the payment and on what verification basis?
2. What due diligence was conducted before disbursement?
3. Were supply chain processes followed?
4. What disciplinary steps have been taken against implicated officials?
5. How will the City strengthen controls to prevent recurrence?
The UDM in the City Johannesburg further calls on the City Council and the relevant oversight committees to exercise their constitutional responsibilities without fear or favour. If wrongdoing is established, there must be visible and swift consequences. Accountability cannot depend on media exposure.
This incident once again underscores the urgent need to professionalise municipal administration, depoliticise appointments in city entities, and ensure that senior positions are filled on merit and integrity, not networks and patronage.
Johannesburg cannot afford “ghost projects” while communities live without basic infrastructure. Every cent mismanaged is a cent stolen from residents who rely on the City for housing, safety and dignity.
The UDM in the City Johannesburg will continue to monitor this matter closely and will push for full disclosure and corrective action. Clean governance is not optional. It is the minimum standard our people deserve.
