Dannhauser residents protest against what they say is widespread municipal corruption
A community spokesperson revealed shocking claims of family members being hired and promoted without following due process
Protesters took to the streets of Dannhauser on Friday, marching to the municipal offices to demand that municipal employees be suspended to allow for an investigation into alleged widespread nepotism and other irregularities.
“We cannot stand by while managers hire and promote family members without following proper processes,” a community spokesperson said. “A senior official employed his own relatives and then promoted his brother to the finance department with no relevant qualifications.”
Those who marched also highlighted that the municipality’s legal manager continues to receive a salary while attending court proceedings and that the ICT manager, a full-time employee, was simultaneously awarded a service provider tender.
Further allegations include that a relative of an official employed at the municipality received a security company, also owned by a relative. “We demand full verification of all municipal employees to ensure that no other hidden conflicts exist,” read the memorandum they handed over.
The protesters also raised concerns over leased municipal farms, where occupants have built homes.
Regarding governance, it was insisted that all departmental heads be placed on suspension pending the investigation. “We’re calling on council to fire and retrench the municipal manager at their next sitting.”
Questions have been raised about the manager’s security detail, which they claim is ‘tighter than Mayor Bongani Radebe’s’.
There were also queries over the purpose of the new taxi rank.
“If it’s not going to be used, why waste public funds when the old rank lies neglected?”
Finally, residents called for an update on the long-promised shopping centre.
The memorandum was presented to Fiona Mkhize from the Department of Co-operative Governance & Traditional Affairs and Mayor Radebe. A response has been promised.
“If we do not hear from you in the next seven calendar days, we can assure you that nothing will be functional in the whole of Dannhauser,” was the ominous warning from the community.
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