Legality of Joburg Mayor Morero’s 'bomb squad' questioned

JOHANNESBURG - The legality of Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero’s so-called "bomb squad" is being questioned, with several parties suggesting it has no legal basis.

The mayor established the bomb squad earlier in June to ensure service delivery plans are implemented.

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However, parties both within and outside the African National Congress (ANC)-led coalition argue the Municipal Systems Act does not provide for such structures.

It is on this basis that some parties in the city council consider the unit to be unlawful.

Concerns are mounting that Johannesburg’s bomb squad is a redundant and parallel structure to the city’s existing administrative and political structures.

Critics argue that appointing such a unit to carry out responsibilities that should fall within the city's own capacity is unnecessary.

Transport MMC and Patriotic Alliance (PA) deputy leader Kenny Kunene, whose party is part of the ANC-led coalition, has warned that the unit could bring trouble for the city.

"We are not happy with the bomb squad. We are raising our dissatisfaction of the operations and establishment of the bomb squad, which operates like a rogue unit."

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has sent a letter to Gauteng Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) MEC Jacob Mamabolo requesting a review of the legality of the bomb squad.

The MEC has committed to responding to the DA’s inquiry within the next seven days.