The public protector's investigation into allegations of nepotism against the mayor of Madibeng local municipality in North West, Douglas Maimane, is at an advanced stage.
“The matter is expected to be concluded in due course,” the public protector's spokesperson Khulu Phasiwe said.
Maimane is accused of nepotism amid allegations that his daughter and the mother of his children were appointed by the municipality after he took office.
It is alleged the mayor influenced the appointment of a young woman whose name is known to TimesLIVE Premium, to the department of budget and treasury in the municipality. It is alleged the woman is Maimane's daughter.
The public protector is also investigating allegations that Maimane's cousin was employed as a coordinator for gender and traditional affairs.
Another woman whose name is known to TimesLIVE Premium is said to be the mother of Maimane's children and was appointed in 2022 as an assistant clerk, a position that according to the subpoena, doesn't exist in the municipal organigram. It's also alleged the woman was appointed without meeting any requirements. Her highest qualification is said to be grade 11, according to the subpoena.
The municipality has also allegedly irregularly awarded a tender to refurbish the Primindia Community Hall to Maimane's son, whose name is also known to this publication.
The public protector's investigators recently sent a subpoena to the municipal manager, Quiet Kgatla, requesting the municipality to produce all documents in its possession regarding the case.
The documents requested by the investigators included a sworn/affirmed statement of the mayor's alleged daughter to clarify whether she has a familial relationship with the mayor.
She was initially appointed through an internship programme, which was a 24 months’ contract.
However, the acting municipal manager allegedly extended the contract. The investigators sought a copy of the legislation or policy that the municipality relied upon in granting the extension of the intern's contract.
According to the public protector's subpoena document, which TimesLIVE Premium has seen, it is alleged that the woman is employed in a position that does not exist on the municipal organigram.
Kgatla said the municipality acknowledges the recent inquiry concerning allegations of irregular appointments of the three individuals and the awarding of the municipal tender to Maimane's son.
“It is imperative to state that the individual who initially made these allegations [nepotism allegations] has since retracted their claims and formally tendered an apology, which has been duly accepted,” Kgatla said.
Kgatla said Maimane has not been subpoenaed to appear before any judicial or investigative authority in relation to this matter.
“The municipality remains committed to due process, the principles of legality and administrative justice. Henceforth, we have provided the response in question to the public protector and received an acknowledgment,” Kgatla said.
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