By Levy Masiteng
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has welcomed the conviction of former Enoch Mgijima municipal manager, Nokuthula Zondani, for unilaterally inflating the value of a contract by 100% and contravening the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).
Earlier this year, Zondani was found guilty by the East London Commercial Crimes Court in a high-profile corruption case dating back to 2019.
The case involved a yellow fleet machinery contract originally valued at R1.2 million per month over 36 months, which Zondani doubled to R2.4 million per month without following proper procedures.
However, COSATU has expressed disappointment with the leniency of the sentence, which includes a three-year correctional supervision term and a suspended four-year prison sentence.
“Zondani and her attorney have decried the sentence as unfair and indicated they will appeal, which demonstrates a troubling level of impunity,” COSATU said on Monday.
“The court opted for restorative justice in handing down a correctional supervision sentence alongside a suspended prison term, with the hope that Zondani will reflect on her actions, undergo rehabilitation, and avoid reoffending.”
COSATU highlighted the severe impact of Zondani’s actions on the municipality’s finances, which were already under strain and in provincial administration at the time of the offence.
They noted concerns about Zondani’s current role as Director of Community Services at the Amathole District Municipality, raising fears about her potential influence over financial decisions.
“Municipalities nationwide have suffered from similar abuses, including allegations raised by COSATU’s affiliate, the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU), against Enoch Mgijima municipality,” COSATU said.
The trade union federation emphasised their ongoing commitment to combating corruption and impunity within municipal governance, viewing Zondani’s conviction as a crucial step forward.
“We anticipate further convictions of individuals who exploit state resources instead of directing them towards essential public services,” COSATU said.
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