Tshwane evaluates order to reinstate 5 suspended for alleged Rooiwal tender negligence
According to Tshwane spokesperson Selby Bokaba, the officials were charged with misconduct related to irregularities in the award of the tender.
The Tshwane metro is currently reviewing the recent South African Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC) arbitration award in the controversial Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Works tender.
The SALGBC ruled that the five senior officials the metro suspended after it claimed they were implicated in the tender irregularity should be reinstated.
The metro is seeking further legal counsel before deciding what its next move will be.
The five had been on precautionary suspension since last year.
This follows a year-long internal disciplinary process after which the officials were found guilty of one of the four charges they faced.
They had been charged with gross negligence in performing their duties in that their alleged conduct in the tender award breached various legislation, policies and codes of conduct.
According to Tshwane spokesperson Selby Bokaba, the officials were charged with misconduct related to irregularities in the awarding of the tender and have been on suspension with full pay since last year.
LISTEN:
The SALGBC ruled that the officials receive compensation equivalent to two months’ salary for what it deemed an unfair suspension.
The officials are expected to return to work on January 20, in line with the arbitration decision.
Despite the arbitration outcome, the metro is still weighing its options.
Bokaba acknowledged the award but added that the metro is still studying it and its implications.
I can assure you there is no tender that was awarded to me. https://t.co/CK7JPEfcrm
— Dr Nasiphi Moya (@nasiphim) January 6, 2025
Bokaba said the metro intends to seek advice from a senior legal counsel to determine the best course of action moving forward.
“This development follows Tshwane’s previous attempts to secure firmer action against the officials.
“Last year, the metro filed an application with the Labour Court for a review of the disciplinary process. The application challenged the disciplinary hearing decision, which had been criticised as too lenient. The matter is still pending before the court, and the metro has requested that the case be expedited,” he said.
DA Tshwane Caucus Leader Cilliers Brink said the tender was awarded to a consortium led by Blackhead Consulting, the company of notorious ANC donor Edwin Sodi.
He said as a forensic report later found, the consortium should’ve been disqualified as a bidder.
“The same report recommended disciplinary action against the five officials on that bid evaluation committee.
“The project to solve the Hammanskraal water crisis must also include accountability for decision-makers who knowingly harmed the city and residents,” said Brink.
WATCH:
Brink said the DA has written to City Manager John Mettler to ask that the Labour Court finding be taken on appeal and that the officials remain suspended.
“Given the history and magnitude of tender rigging in Tshwane, it is essential that the matter be looked over by an appeal court.
“With reference to the findings of the Zondo Commission and Sodi’s financial links to the ANC, we’ve also placed on record the conflict of interest between the city and its ANC-led coalition.”
LISTEN:
Also Read:Officials check on Rooiwal progress
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
