Botes on edge of an abyss

Is the house of cards protecting Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) chief executive Helen Botes on the brink of collapse?

- Martin Williams

Something is afoot, given the number and frequency of allegations against her and an apparent shift in support.

In the past week, the extension of her contract has been challenged. Plus, there are allegations about the diversion of outdoor advertising revenue into the coffers of a law firm which takes a 25% slice.

Outdoor advertisers reportedly pay about R70 million a month.

There was no public tender or bidding process for this lucrative new arrangement, which conflicts with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).

Given the history of accusations against Botes and the JPC, complainants could be wasting their time raising this matter in the media or with anyone in the current ANC-led multiparty government. Or perhaps this time it's different.

Current ANC mayor Dada Morero was finance MMC when this new outdoor advertising arrangement was implemented.

And he knew there were questions about JPC's probity.