A war of words has broken out between South African civics association (Sanco) members in Soshanguve and the local ward councillor over a R25-million stormwater project.
Local residents have accused ward councillor Phumzile Hlatswayo of corruption and nepotism for allegedly “hiring associates for the project”.
Sanco criticised Hlatswayo “for unlawful practices” relating to an aborted tender that residents hoped would benefit them.
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Hlatswayo denied allegations against him.
He said residents were against development projects he had implemented in the community because they had their own ideas about how things ought to run in the community.
“I am not aware of any corruption because there is no case that has been opened regarding the issue,” Hlatswayo told Rekord.
“No authorities approached me about the matter, which is why I am not aware of any corruption they are accusing me of.”
“I do not go around threatening people,” he said in reply to accusations made at a recent community meeting that whoever opposed Hlatswayo “was threatened with death”.
“I do not promote violence. The community members are the ones who attacked me in my own home,” he said.
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“A few weeks back they came to my home and attacked me, which is why I went to the police to open a case. I have to protect myself as no one will protect me,” said Hlatswayo.
Local resident Tshepo Mtsoane claimed to have been threatened for speaking out against corruption.
“I do not care if they kill me, as long as they kill me for doing right by my people and the community,” said Mtsoane.
“I am not satisfied with how our community is managed but as a community, we have to fight because no one will fight for us but ourselves.”
Sanco regional organiser Velaphi Khoza accused Hlatswayo of not following Tshwane municipal systems, leading to residents laying charges against him.
On Sunday, 9 June, Hlatswayo held a meeting with residents where he informed them about the project.
He said the stormwater project had been cancelled because the annual budget expired in June and the money allocated to the project was given back to the metro.
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Hlatswayo said the contract was terminated by the metro due to quarrels with residents.
“No money was used because the project never happened because of the intensified fights that have been happening recently in the community,” said Hlatswayo.
Tshwane metro spokesperson Goitsemang Molaeng could not be reached for comment after she was contacted on numerous occasions.
“The corruption case against Hlatswayo was opened in October 2018,” said Rietgat police spokesperson Steven Maluleka.
“The investigation is still underway. There are no leads or any information that we have received so far.”
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