Ekurhuleni welcomes corruption probe

The Ekurhuleni municipality welcomed a probe by the special investigation into allegations of misappropriation in procurement practices and wastages in the council.

Spokesman Zweli Dlamini said such investigations were in line with the key strategic priority of good governance.

"The metro commits itself to fully co-operate with the investigation and render any assistance that may be needed by the SIU in the process," he said.

President Jacob Zuma commissioned an investigation into two of Gauteng's municipalities, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane, which have been crippled by political and administrative squabbles in the past two years.

This happened hardly a week after their mayors were removed during a cabinet reshuffle. Former Tshwane mayor Dr Gwen Ramokgopa was elevated to deputy health minister and replaced by her nephew Sputla Ramokgopa, while Ekurhuleni's Ntombi Mekgwe was replaced by Mondli Gungubele.

The unit has been mandated to investigate misconduct, wastages and misappropriation in procurement practices in the Ekurhuleni municipality.

The new Ekurhuleni mayor Mondli Gugubele said he remained committed to ensuring that the process was successfully concluded.

Meanwhile, Tshwane faces a probe into allegations of undue interference in disciplinary matters by municipal manager Kiba Kekana. It will also be probed for financial mismanagement and waste.

Kekana was suspended in October last year on allegations of misconduct and maladministration.

Former truth and reconciliation commissioner Dumisa Ntsebeza investigated the allegations and handed his report to Ramokgopa in June. However, the report has not yet been presented to the city council.

During her farewell event, Ramokgopa left matters in her nephew's hands, who has since indicated that the issue around Kekana needed to be resolved as soon as possible.

The SA Municipal Workers Union in Ekurhuleni promised to "make it easier" for the unit through information, saying there was no longer a place to hide for corrupt officials.

"We will be there to help the unit to fulfil its mandate. We have been raising the issue of corruption for many years; no one listened to our calls until now," said spokesman Koena Ramotlou.

Ramotlou said the investigation should not be limited to employees but should also focus on those that had left, as decisions were taken based on advice they provided to the municipality.

The probe also comes at a time when the union was waiting for the sitting of a case at the South Gauteng Court concerning improper procedure in the awarding of tenders.

Ramotlou said the municipality continued to delay responding to court papers, but he was hopeful that justice would prevail.

"Tenders that were awarded without relevant legislation should be set aside and be regarded as null and void," he said.