I was approached in 2010 by the then Municipal Manager of Swellendam Municipality, Mr N Nel, to conduct a preliminary investigation into the affairs of the Swellendam Municipality. Subsequent to this request I was also approached by the Mayor, Mr J Jansen, with the same request.
The scope of the investigation was to assess the following:
- institutional functionality of the municipality
- capacity and functioning of the finance department
- procedural and legislative compliance relating to the two development applications (Swellengate and Swellenmark).
The investigation conducted by the Department of Local Government, Provincial Treasury and Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning was concluded in January 2011 and a report presented to the Mayoral Committee in the same month. The municipality was asked to respond to the report by end February 2011 and has since done so. After having duly considered the Report and the response thereto I have on 17 March 2011 directed a letter to the Executive Mayor and all members of Council requesting that:
A support plan be compiled by the Municipality in liaison with the above three provincial departments on identified matters including corrective steps that have to be taken by the Municipality and corrective steps requiring provincial support, and with regard to those matters requiring in-depth investigation, a full scale forensic investigation be conducted.
This investigation should cover issues such as the alleged councillor interference in two development applications, investment of funds by the municipality allegedly for the benefit of a political party and the procurement of goods and services in terms of the supply chain management system. Council has to revert to me by 30 March 2011.
The terms of reference for a forensic investigation should be compiled by the municipality in liaison with the above three provincial departments and the full spectrum of alleged corruption and maladministration has to be covered. I will be awaiting the Swellendam Municipality's feedback so that the work can commence.
Media enquiries:
Peter Pullen (Spokesperson)
Cell: 082 574 3773
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government
