Lerato Sesero
SEDIBENG. – Following information of ‘jobs for sale’ at the Midvaal Local Municipality (MLM), reports surfaced this week that a high ranking official has been placed on special leave and an MMC has been suspended.
Sedibeng Ster carried a report last week where members of the community were encouraged to report the MLM individuals that were reportedly selling jobs.
The official on special leave has been accused of flouting council regulations in appointing staff. He is also accused of hiring a law firm where his wife is employed.
“In terms of the law, I must report to council within seven days, which is what I did. Council then decided to appoint an independent law firm to investigate.
“The municipal manager saw fit to place him on special leave,” Baloyi is reported to have said further adding that the high ranking official had been served with a notice of suspension and had until yesterday (Wednesday) to give reasons why he should remain in his position.
Meanwhile on Tuesday, Baloyi said that he has accepted Corporate Services’ Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) Amelia Tsukudu’s letter to cease acting in her official capacity as she was also implicated in the ‘jobs for sale’ debacle.
“Today, I have taken the decision to accept Cllr Amelia Tsukudu’s offer to cease acting in her official capacity, and moved to suspend her over allegations of corruption.
“This after giving Cllr Tsukudu notice to give written representation regarding serious allegations of improper conduct levelled against her. On Monday evening, I received a letter from Cllr Tsukudu, offering to step aside for the duration of the investigations into the “jobs for cash” debacle.
“Recently, members of our communities brought it to my and the municipality’s attention that several Midvaal officials had allegedly been involved in selling vacancies and irregularly tampering with recruitment processes.” Baloyi added that an external audit last year into appointments in the municipality had pointed to procedural errors. “I have now written to the Office of the Speaker, informing him of this latest development. Cllr Tsukudu’s alleged conduct will now be handled by the Municipal Ethics Committee, and also form part of the investigation by an independent team, which we’ll be appointing before close of business today. Those found guilty will be dealt with in the manner necessary, without fear or favour, including those of our own.”
