Three Johannesburg councillors have criticised a recent city service delivery operation, led by Acting Executive Mayor Kenny Kunene, calling it more of a publicity stunt than a real attempt to help residents.
Councillors Emi Koekemoer, of Ward 104, Lucinda Harman, of Ward 102, and Beverley Jacobs, of Ward 99, released a joint statement on July 2, saying they were disappointed that what could have been a useful intervention turned into ‘political theatre’.

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They claimed Kunene is using city resources to boost his image, instead of tackling urgent service delivery issues. “Communities across Johannesburg are currently experiencing critical service failures, clinics without water, residents waiting endlessly for water tankers, and a general breakdown in basic services,” the councillor’s statement said.
According to the statement, which was accompanied by a video, instead of addressing these issues with care and urgency, Kunene chose to stage a public event, with an excessive security presence. “His decision to arrive with an entourage of heavily armed guards only highlights his detachment from the lived realities of our communities.”
The councillors also pointed out that many public servants, including themselves, work under tough and sometimes dangerous conditions, without such heavy protection.
They urged city leadership to focus on real solutions, saying residents need water, clinics need support, and the city needs meaningful, hands-on leadership.
The Randburg Sun has reached out to the office of the acting mayor for comment and will update the story when a response is received.

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