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DA Criticizes Joburg Mayor for Legal Battle Over Blue Lights
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg has slammed Mayor Dada Morero for using city funds to secure legal backing for mayoral committee members (MMCs) to retain their blue-light privileges.
This follows the City of Johannesburg’s recent move to the High Court, requesting an extension on the deadline to comply with a court order requiring officials to justify the use of blue lights.
City’s Blue-Light Bid Dismissed
The controversy stems from former mayor Kabelo Gwamanda’s security detail, which included ten bodyguards and a fleet of luxury vehicles. His MMCs also had between two and four bodyguards each. The court had ruled that officials not covered under the upper limits of protection must surrender their blue lights.
DA caucus leader in Johannesburg, Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, revealed that the city filed an urgent request to extend blue-light privileges for certain officials but failed to present sufficient justification.
“The last-minute attempt to continue unlawful, unconstitutional blue lights was dismissed,” she said.
Calls for Focus on Service Delivery
Kayser-Echeozonjoku criticized Morero for prioritizing legal battles over essential city services.
“Johannesburg residents are currently experiencing a water crisis, with many left without water for days, especially in the south. Instead of wasting resources on this court case, the mayor should be addressing critical infrastructure repairs and maintenance,” she said.
Last year, the DA challenged the city’s controversial VIP policy, which allowed executive members to receive high-level security beyond the legally permitted upper limits. According to regulations, only the mayor, speaker, and chief whip qualify for blue-light protection.
Upholding the Court’s Ruling
The DA is demanding that Morero enforce the court order and strip MMCs of unauthorized security details.
“We have written to the Executive Mayor, reminding him that all VIP protection beyond the upper limits must be removed immediately. If the city fails to comply, it will be in contempt of court,” Kayser-Echeozonjoku warned.
She added that MMCs did not previously receive blue-light escorts unless a proper threat risk analysis justified the need for added security.
The mayor’s office has yet to respond to requests for comment.
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