MBOMBELA – The opposition stormed out of a special council meeting on Friday, after the mayor announced that he would not launch an internal investigation into municipal manager (MM) Mr Noko Seanego, who is facing criminal charges of fraud.
Seanego was arrested last month for fraud allegedly committed during the appointment of specialised security officers in the municipality in October, while he was still the general manager of corporate services. He was appointed MM in December.
Executive mayor of Mbombela Local Municipality (MLM) Cllr Sibusiso Mathonsi announced during the meeting on Friday that he had decided not to investigate the allegations.
“Let us not let any political agendasget in our way. Let the law take its due course,” he said.
Chief whip in the DA Mr Werner le Grange, objected, saying council was required by law to take action.
In terms of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000, any allegation of misconduct by a senior manager must be tabled by the mayor, in this case, before the municipal council within seven days of receiving it. Council must then appoint an independent investigator or dismiss the allegations.
“Disciplinary procedures may not be dispensed with as a result of criminal, civil or other action having been instituted, or pending the outcome of such action,” the act reads.
Le Grange said during the meeting, “We cannot just accept the mayor’s notice”.
He requested the speaker to allow an open and frank discussion. Speaker Ms Jesta Sidell said her standing orders didn’t allow for any discussion on official notices and recommended that the DA follow protocol in advancing a move for action.
Le Grange claimed that their effort of taking the official route had failed because it had been ignored by her office. DA caucus leader Mr Jo Koster said, “We are breaking the law”.
However, Sidell would not sanction the two members’ chance to speak and when they refused to stop, she threatened to summon the municipality’s law enforcers.
“We are not out of order,” Le Grange said. “You are trying to sweep this thing under the carpet”.
The party’s members then walked out amid a slow clap from the other councillors. The rest of the meeting proceeded without incident.
Mr Cyril Chuene, a member of the provincial executive of the EFF, who has been pushing for a police investigation, says his party will not leave the matter there.
“We are seeking the assistance of the minister of co-operative governance. If he doesn’t intervene we will protest and shut down the municipality,” he said.
