Following the investigation that was conducted by the Department of Co-operative Governance, in the Emalahleni Local Municipality, in terms of section 106(1) (b) of the Local Government Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (act No.32 of 2000), after the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Norman Mokoena, received allegations that the municipality was failing to meet its constitutional obligations, the municipality has started implementing the recommendations of the report. The investigation centred on allegations of maladministration, fraud, nepotism, corruption, and poor service delivery.
MEC Mokoena has noted the progress being made by the Emalahleni Local Municipality in implementing the section 106 investigation report. As part of implementing the section 106 investigation report, the Emalahleni Local Municipality has suspended its Municipal Manager Mr Ananias Langa with immediate effect in terms of the allegations levelled against him. Mr Langa will face disciplinary action. All implicated individuals will be issued with letters requesting them to provide written explanations on the allegations levelled against them, thereafter council will take a decision on what further action must be taken, if in any. The supplier’s data base compiled in terms of the supply chain management regulations will be revised and that all the companies of the employees and councillors implicated in the section 106 report will be removed from the list of approved service providers and work in terms of tenders and contracts awarded to those companies implicated, which are currently active, be put on hold until the investigation is complete.
MEC Mokoena has expressed his confidence that such swift action by the municipality will help restore public confidence in the system of local government. “It is important for the municipality to act on the recommendations of the investigation, without fear or favour. All individuals implicated in any wrong doing will be brought to book irrespective of the positions that they hold. This government is committed clean governance and to ensuring that corruption is eradicated in all its forms and that people receive quality services,” said Mokoena.
Enquiries:
Simphiwe Kunene
Cell: 082 413 3931
Issued by: Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mpumalanga Provincial Government
25 March 2010
