Johannesburg – ActionSA has welcomed the high court’s decision that ruled the City of Johannesburg’s VIP Protection policy as “unconstitutional and invalid”.
ActionSA commented: “This ruling, which acknowledged the policy as unlawful, strengthens our position on this matter, disproving the unfounded statements made by the unaware DA caucus leader.”
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ActionSA has been a consistent opponent of the VIP Protection Policy, having voted against it in council meetings.
“There is already a provision that permits public representatives to seek necessary protection if they are under threat,” ActionSA stated on Friday, (3 January 2025).
“We find this provision sufficient. Our view is that the resources intended for VIP protection should be redirected toward service delivery initiatives.”
“However, we have been informed that personnel will be drawn from the JMPD [Johannesburg Metro Police Department] resources.”
ActionSA highlighted that the security detail for Cllr Nobuhle Mthembu, the Speaker of the City of Johannesburg Council, did not correspond with the assertions made in the VIP Protection Policy.
ActionSA stated: “Cllr Mthembu does not have the benefit of an entourage or multiple bodyguards.”
“We assert that public representatives should remain accessible to the communities that elected them, rather than creating a divide.”
“Unlike the situation on 20th March 2024, when the Council approved this unconstitutional policy, ActionSA now occupies seats in the Legislature, and we will utilize our roles to ensure the policy conforms with the Act and ministerial directives.”
“We will also ensure that any decisions regarding the enhancement of a specific municipal councillor’s personal protection allowance comply with the Act and ministerial instructions, as mandated by the court.”
ActionSA called on the DA to “cease their deceptive narratives and propaganda” against them and to collaborate with Council Speaker Mthembu in her efforts to rectify previous errors.
