Endumeni’s unresolved ‘Grader-Gate’ saga has resurfaced, with Councillor Saleem Abdool calling for urgent intervention to ensure a report into the auctioning of a municipal grader is presented to council.

Call for accountability over missing report

The grader, funded by the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), arrived in Dundee during the term of former mayor Richard Mdluli around 2019.

The machine was controversially auctioned in 2024, prompting intense council debate and the establishment of a committee to investigate its disappearance.

In a formal request, Cllr Abdool said the matter required immediate attention, citing concerns about the process followed in disposing of the equipment.

“The auctioning of the grader was carried out without due consideration that it formed part of the yellow plant funded by Cogta,” he said.

He further alleged that no attempts were made to repair the grader before it was sold and that no reserve price was set by the auctioneer.

“The value of the grader was approximately R1.8 million, yet it was auctioned for about R550,000,” he added.

According to Cllr Abdool, the council resolved in December 2024 that a disciplinary board be mandated to investigate alleged irregularities, including possible corruption.

“I was interviewed by the panel, but the chairperson of the internal audit committee was absent,” he said.

The issue has since been raised at several portfolio committee meetings, with no report presented to date.

“We as council, have not been made aware of the costs incurred. This involves ratepayers’ money, for which we are accountable,” said Cllr Abdool.

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