The Deloitte and Touche forensic report into allegations of maladministration and other misdemeanours at Endumeni Municipality was tabled in a Council in-committee meeting last Friday.
Acting Municipal Manager, Sakhele Zulu, said the Council had resolved to seek legal advise on ‘the approach ensuring that the recommendations are implemented’.
“However, I wish to state that some of the media reports, especially from Bayede (a Zulu language newspaper), missed the point of the report and, as such, they have preferred the opposite of what you are doing, by engaging people who are not authorized to communicate on behalf of the council, and hence they have their own personal agendas,” Mr Zulu said. The report covers the following aspects:·
* Allegations of corruption and nepotism against certain municipal councillors relating to the appointment of certain municipal officials. The findings of the report cleared this matter against any councillors but identified municipal officials who had to be disciplined regarding appointments
* Allegations that process followed in appointing the currently suspended municipal manager, T Biyela, was flawed in that his qualifications and employment history was not verified. The report indicates that council should ensure that background and reference checks are thoroughly conducted. Contrary to what has been reported, the investigation’s objective was to verify whether background and reference checks were done or not. There is nowhere in the report that suggests that charges against the MM should be withdrawn.

*Allegations that the award of the security contract was flawed – disciplinary action against municipal employees to be taken.

“Finally, the report has negative implications against some senior employees and some are no longer employed by council.
“Council needs to apply its mind properly because it will mean at the face value of the report there will be no managers in the council,” Mr Zulu concluded.