Lekwa heavyweights subpoenaed
STANDERTON - Lekwa Local Municipality’s top three have been subpoenaed to appear before the office of the Public Protector in terms of section 7(4) (a) of the Public Protector Act, 1994 for the purpose of an investigation into complaints relating to allegations of maladministration, corruption and improper conduct at Lekwa Local Municipality which the Mpumalanga Provincial Office is currently investigating.
The Executive Mayor, Councillor Linda Dhlamini, Speaker of Council, Coucillor Khosi Khota and Municipal Manager, Mr Linda Tshabalala, are due to appear at the Public Protector’s Provincial Office on Thursday, 30 June.
1. Allegations relating to the irregular appointment of the Municipal Manager, Mr Linda Tshabalala. The following documents are requested to be submitted: copy of advertisement, CVs of all shortlisted candidates, interview panel score sheets and recommendation report, council resolution and approved MEC recommendation.
2. Allegations relating to the appointment of the Chief Financial Officer, Mr RT Dipone. Requested documents to this effect are: council resolution and report submitted to the MEC.
3. Allegations relating to the appointment of the General Assistants. Requested documents are: copy of advertisement, shortlist panel minutes, CVs of all shortlisted candidates, interview panel score sheets and recommendation report.
4. Allegations relating to the appointment of Ditsibi Consulting. Requested documents are: copy of tender advertisement, copies of tender specifications, BEC and BAC minutes of meetings, recommendations of BEC, and BAC, letter of appointment and service agreement.
5. Allegations relating to the irregular transfers and appointments, Mr Robert Mkhabela, council resolution on transfer. Appointment of Mr Sipho Mkhwanazi. Requested documents are: council resolution, copy of advertisement, shortlist panel minutes, CVs of shortlisted candidates, interview panel score sheets and recommendation report and appointment letter.
6. Allegations relating to the irregular sale of land (Rooikoppen Taxi Rank and ERF 2245 Portion 4 in Standerton) requested documents are: copy of notice informing the public of the alienation of land, copy of deeds sale, copy of council resolution, copy of sale agreements, including addendums, copies of valuation report conducted on the land in question, copies of documents (tender documents) relating to the development of the Rooikoppen Taxi Rank.
7. Allegations of misuse of public funds relating to the payment of R7500 per day for the rental of a vehicle for the Executive Mayor. Requested document: copy of the vehicle rental agreement.
The office of the Public Protector is aware that the Municipality has provided certain documents to the investigation team, however the documents provided were insufficient and could not adequately disprove the allegations made. The Subpoena is dated 6 June 2016 and signed by the Public Protector of the Republic of South Africa, Advocate Thuli Madonsela.
Lekwa Local Municipality’s big three: Executive Mayor, Councillor Linda Dhlamini, Council Speaker, Councillor Khosi Khota and Municipal Manager, Mr Linda Tshabalala (bottom photo).
