Firstly, the allegations about political interference, if true, are shocking.
How is it that the Deputy Mayor of uThungulu can pull the strings in uMhlathuze and forcing officials to carry out his instructions?
Reading the article it becomes clear that he must have instructed the ANC caucus to have the complaint lodged by the Deputy Municipal Manager: Infra Structure and Technical Services against the Municipal Manager removed, as it contained serious allegations of interference, corruption and nepotism against Thulani Mashaba and his wife.
He is incidentally the ANC Chairman of the Musa Dladla Region and the man who can end or escalate a councillor’s or official’s career.
It casts suspicion on the fairness of the entire investigation process against Sifiso Madekane, who may or may not be guilty of the allegations against him.
It seems that Council has been quick to put Madekane on suspension and to appoint an ‘independent investigator’.
However, when he followed the exact same procedure to lodge a claim against the Municipal Manager, the ANC was not prepared to deal with this complaint with the same urgency.
This municipality has a very bad track record in getting rid of employees.
These terminations have in all instances backfired, leaving the City with huge legal bills and cost orders against it.
It seems that the basic rules of fairness are flaunted just to get rid of officials who have fallen out of favour.
They also seem to think that the ratepayers are there to fund their vendettas.
It begs the question as to the effectiveness of the municipality’s legal department as it appears they either don’t have the expertise to properly advise Council against unfair dismissals, or the politicians simply ignore their advice.
Secondly, the official spokesperson, Vukile Mathabela, commented that, ‘This matter is a sensitive one as a person is innocent until proven guilty. We urge everyone to respect the process and not pre-empt the outcome’.
This of course is true – but only if you employ this principle equally and without favour.
It is clear the Council is pursuing Sifiso Madekane with a vengeance, but it is not prepared to act against the Municipal Manager with the same kind of vigour.
The answer: by investigating the MM, the serious allegations of political interference by the local ANC Chairman will no doubt embarrass Mashaba.
The fact that his wife is being shielded against an internal investigation is surely something he would want to keep out of the media.
I can only pray the electorate will note these transgressions.
But I am realistic – free food parcels and tenders will no doubt erase any thought of corruption.
IN THE KNOW
