The recent special council meeting resolved to put Mushwana on special leave pending investigations into alleged procurement irregularities and failure to effectively perform his duties leading to the municipality continuously receiving disclaimer audit opinion from the Auditor General.

Municipal spokesperson, Jonas Mahesu said the process also allows Mushwana to make a written submission as to why he should not be suspended.

“The action that will be taken will entirely depend on the outcome of the investigations and Mushwana’s submission,” said Mahesu. He added that Mushwana needed to be absent from the offices during investigation into allegations against him. 

He refused to answer further questions saying he will only comment after the council has taken a final decision on the matter.

Mushwana joined the municipality’s finance department in 2007 and rose through the ranks to become the CFO three years ago.

The Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality has received a disclaimer of opinion from the Office of the Auditor General for the eighth financial year in a row despite spending millions of rands on external consultants to help prepare financial statements.

A disclaimer of opinion is given to an institution when auditors are not given the documents required to express an audit opinion, which can mean evidence of corruption is being concealed.
Mushwana could not be reached for comment at the time of going to press.