VANDERBIJLPARK – Tensions are high at Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) amid social media outrage following accusations of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) implicating a senior official.

This comes after the municipality was accused of turning a blind eye to serious sexual harassment allegations.

The drama unfolded during a staff meeting hosted by the provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), which reportedly sparked a firestorm of accusations and damaging remarks aimed at ELM management and council members.

Following the headache, the municipality responded in a statement issued on June 11.
ELM spokesperson Makhosonke Sangweni broke the silence and set the record straight.

“We want to state categorically that the municipality is opposed to any form of abuse against women and children, or discrimination of any kind, and uphold high moral standards in the fight against GBV,” he said.

Following videos and posts circulating online claiming that nothing is being done about a serious GBV case allegedly involving a high-ranking official, Sangweni rubbished the claims.

“We want to publicly state that this matter is receiving the necessary attention from the council. The matter will be finalised as soon as possible, as informed by the council processes. It is important to reaffirm our commitment to the legislative processes. While we remain steadfast in our pursuit of truth and accountability, we are equally committed to ensuring due process,” he said.

Behind the scenes, whispers of cover-ups and silence have rattled municipal employees, prompting the municipality to take action.

“We commit to attend to this matter with the necessary precision and transparency in the interest of clean governance and justice. Appropriate actions will be taken based on the outcomes of the investigative process,” he said.