By Alicia Mmashakana
The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) in the Free State has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to authorise an investigation into allegations of maladministration at the Masilonyana Local Municipality.
“This crucial step demonstrates a firm commitment to transparency, accountability and the promotion of good governance within our local government structures,” said Samwu provincial secretary Thabang Tseuoa.
Ramaphosa has directed the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to look into alleged maladministration of two tenders awarded by the municipality. They are for the refurbishment of the Brandfort Water Treatment Works and Raw Water Pump Stations, and the upgrade of the Brandfort Sports Centre Phase II.
The probe will examine whether municipal officials, service providers or any other involved parties unfairly benefited from the tenders, which resulted in unauthorised, irregular, or fruitless and wasteful expenditure.
The SIU investigation will cover the period 1 May 2020 to 13 September 2024, as well as any related activities before or after these dates that are pertinent to the investigation or involve the same individuals, entities, or contracts.
“We are particularly concerned about the negative impact of maladministration and financial mismanagement on municipal workers and the communities they serve,” said Tseuoa.
Samwu urged the newly elected cooperative governance MEC Teboho Mokoena to follow the president’s example and ensure that his department followed constitutional guidelines when implementing corrective measures to achieve a long-term solution to the “crisis”.
Samwu added that ongoing inaction by the department to address these kinds of issues over the years was troubling, suggesting “complicity in the collapse of governance within the province”.
The union believes that the investigation will restore public trust in the municipality, while also ensuring that municipal resources are managed effectively and ethically.
“Our workers and the communities they serve deserve to have their concerns addressed and to see justice served,” said Tseuoa.
The probe will also examine the performance by the service providers appointed by the municipality regarding these projects.
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