This includes any irregularities in procurement processes and supply chain management. This was the message sent by Minister of Cooperate Governance and Traditional Affairs, Zweli Mkhize, to municipalities in the Free State. 

Addressing the local government summit held in Bloemfontein, Mkhize spoke against corruption and warned against any form of irregularities at local government level. He announced that his office will now be vetting appointments that are made in key positions to ensure that no one occupies an office of power without meeting all the requirements of the position under question.

Mkhize's statement comes just months after questions regarding the appointment of senior managers in municipalities were raised following the power struggle at Fezile Dabi Municipality.

This municipality drew much controversy following the re-election of former mayor, Max Moshodi, who was elected as the new mayor of the municipality last month after the embattled Oumix Oliphant was ousted through a motion of no confidence spearheaded by her fellow ANC comrades.

Many of the challenges at the municipality were allegedly caused by the feud between Oliphant and her Municipal Manager, Lindi Molibeli, which had been sparked by the mayor’s refusal to approve Molibeli’s employment contract, due to allegations of corruption and maladministration.

After being appointed by the council at the end of November 2017, Molibeli approached the High Court in August for clarity on her appointment. This, as Oliphant allegedly refused to sign her contract, nor her performance agreement placing her position in question.

Mkhize today (Tuesday) alluded that such issues within municipalities will not be accepted and urged the provincial Cogta department to play a more active role in the governance of municipalities.

OFM News