EVATON – Dozens of DA members, led by Gauteng Provincial Leader Solly Msimanga MPL, took to the streets of Evaton in protest against alleged cadre deployment and nepotism linked to a project for pavement construction at the Levai Mbatha Clinic.

Msimanga, accompanied by DA Emfuleni North Constituency Head Kingsol Chabalala MPL, Emfuleni councillor Dady Mollo, and DA regional chairperson Prudence Hlanyane, handed over a formal memorandum to the clinic’s facility manager.

The protest follows serious allegations made by Chabalala against Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) Speaker of Council, Sibongile Soxuza. Chabalala has accused Soxuza of appointing her husband, son, and other individuals with close ties to ANC officials to work on the project, allegedly excluding residents in desperate need of employment.
The DA expressed grave concerns over what they describe as the continued sidelining of Evaton residents from employment opportunities arising from the tender.

“Despite the pressing need for jobs in this area, local jobseekers have been ignored in favour of politically connected individuals. The DA strongly condemns this blatant nepotism, cronyism, and suspected corruption,” the party stated.

In its memorandum, the DA demanded the immediate cancellation of the Levai Mbatha pavement tender and called for a thorough investigation.

“We will be writing to MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko to demand the termination of this questionable tender,” said Msimanga.

“Disciplinary and legal action must be taken against all those who have benefited improperly. Emfuleni is not a family business for political elites; it is a municipality that must serve its residents with integrity, transparency, and fairness.”

Addressing the crowd outside the clinic, Msimanga emphasised the need for ethical employment practices in the municipality. “Political affiliation should never be a ticket to a job,” he said.

Chabalala added that the DA is prepared to escalate the matter to higher authorities, including the office of the Public Protector, if necessary. The memorandum was signed for and received by Ntombi Mokgatla, assistant director for primary health care, on behalf of MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.