By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Joburg Property Company (JPC) has appointed Musawakhe “Musah” Makhunga as its Chief Executive Office (CEO), with effect from September 1.
Makhunga replaces Helen Botes, who is implicated in negligence in the Usindiso shelter fire in August 2023, in which 76 people were killed.
A second case is Botes’ implication by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) for spending R18.6-million on dodgy companies in Covid-19 procurement criminality.
Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi has released the final report of the Usindiso Commission of Inquiry, which highlights the dangerous and deteriorating housing conditions in Johannesburg.
Key findings include: Chronic underinvestment in affordable housing; overcrowded, dilapidated buildings with poor structural integrity; rampant non-compliance with city by-laws.
The commission’s final recommendations urge the City of Johannesburg to urgently revise its Inner-City Housing Implementation Plan (ICHIP), restore essential services to dangerous buildings, and reallocate budget toward emergency and social housing.
It also calls for the establishment of a new Directorate for Property Management, improved by-law enforcement, and collaboration between local and provincial governments.
Lesufi said there will be a joint task team with the city to implement the recommendations.
In a statement, JPC said Makhunga demonstrated exemplary leadership, vision and unwavering commitment to its mission of promoting sustainable property development and management in the City of Johannesburg.
The JPC says its board of directors is confident in Makhunga’s ability to lead the organisation to its next stage of growth and innovation, adding that his experience in public sector property management and knowledge of institutions prepare him to drive stakeholder partnerships and meet the JPC’s vision of service excellence for the city and its citizens.
“The board of the JPC extends its congratulations to Makhunga and calls upon all stakeholders, partners and employees to rally their support behind him in this new role,” read the statement, noting that it remains committed to the provision of value, innovation and sustainable solutions that inspire the growth and development of Johannesburg.
“We are delighted to appoint Makhunga as the JPC’s leader.
“The appointment brings continuity, stability, and new energy to the company’s operations. We are certain that his strategic direction will be critical in leading the JPC’s agenda and positioning it in line with the city’s overall development agenda,” comments JPC chairperson Simon Motha.