Joburg's Bomb Squad slammed as 'undemocratic'

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.

- SIMON MAJADIBODU

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."