EFF protests alleged nepotism at Vhembe Muni

LIMPOPO – The EFF, along with concerned groups and political parties, recently challenged alleged nepotism in the Vhembe District Municipality’s (VDM) recent hiring of 141 general workers.

On November 20, activities at the VDM offices nearly came to a halt as EFF members and allies gathered, demanding an audience with Mayor Freda Nkondo to present a memorandum of grievances. The protesters insisted they would not leave until Nkondo personally received their document.

Councillor Rose Mathukha eventually stepped in, stating she was representing Nkondo, who was attending a meeting in Polokwane. Shandrack Hlongwane, interim leader of the EFF in the Vhembe region, handed the memorandum to Mathukha.

The memorandum pointed out alleged favouritism in the hiring process, accusing the municipality of prioritising ANC members and family associates over deserving candidates. It demanded transparency and fairness, specifically advocating for longtime borehole operators who have volunteered for over a decade to be prioritised in hiring.

“The municipality’s hiring process lacks transparency, allowing abuses of power that negatively impact disadvantaged communities,” the memorandum stated. It called for immediate corrective action, a formal response within seven working days, and a restart of the recruitment process without political interference.

The EFF also accused Nkondo of corrupt employment practices, alleging conflicts of interest in the appointment panel. They announced plans for further picketing if their demands are not met.

The South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) and the DA in Limpopo echoed the EFF’s concerns, with Samwu calling for disciplinary action against implicated officials and the DA demanding an ethics committee investigation.

VDM spokesperson Matodzi Ralushai declined to confirm whether the implicated chief of staff had been suspended, citing ongoing internal inquiries.