Political parties in Metsimaholo in the Free State Province have expressed mixed reactions following the suspensions of the Municipal Managers and other senior managers in the hung local municipality of Metsimaholo in Sasolburg.
The African National Congress (ANC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) welcomed the decision of the Council to suspend these managers during its sitting this week while the Democratic Alliance (DA) has lambasted this decision.
The suspended officials are the Municipal Manager, Chief Financial Officer, Technical Director, Director of Urban Planning and LED, and the Director of Social Services.
Municipal Spokesperson Dr Gino Alberts confirmed the suspension of these senior officials saying they have been placed on precautionary suspension as a result of alleged irregular procurement for security services at the municipality.
“These senior managers have been given seven days to make representations to the council giving reasons why they are not supposed to be suspended. The Council will reconvene again after 14 days to entertain or discuss the representations by the senior managers,” said Alberts.
Bassie Motloung has been appointed as the Acting Municipal Manager.
ANC Fezile Dabi Regional Secretary, Thabo Mabasa, said these senior managers are alleged to have been part of the bid adjudication committee, that may have not followed SCM Regulations in concluding this bid.
“Council resolved on temporary appointments while it considers representation from suspended senior managers, such representation to be tabled in a special council meeting to be convened within the next 7 days,” said Mabasa.
He added that the ANC wishes to express its disappointment with the DA, in particular its Executive, for failure to play oversight on the administration. Further, the DA support of maladministration, systematic corruption and forever appetite of hiding corruption under carpet.
“The ANC wish to express its appreciation to all parties in the Municipal Council who have put aside their political difference in saving our residents from this kleptocratic DA Municipality that has subjected our residents to poor service delivery ranging from contaminated and lack of adequate water supply mostly in Deneysville and Oranjeville.s all towns, lack of maintence of our cemeteries, sewer spillages, non-maintenance of green,” added Mabasa.
In welcoming the suspension of these senior officials, EFF heavily criticized the ANC for what it called sensationalism in celebrating the decision of the Council to suspend them.
“However, the Economic Freedom Fighters has noted acts of sensationalism and bogus heroic status coming from members of the African National Congress on the sanction given to the bovementioned officials. Their conduct of celebrating acts to uproot corruption is highly outside the ANC DNA,” said EFF Regional Chairperson April Motaung.
He alleged that the ANC turned a blind eye on a number of irregularities in the municipality while it was within its powers to act.
“In fact, the Economic Freedom Fighters regards the ANC and the current DA establishment as the same. Both parties thrive their existence on corruption and poor service delivery. Both parties echo and display a distasteful identity of Anti-Blackness,” said Motaung.
He added that the EFF has written to the current Council to request an inquest and investigation into Unauthorised, Irregular, Fruitless and Wasteful Expenditure to commence.
The DA called this suspension a clear attempt by the ANC/EFF coalition to sabotage the positive changes implemented by the DA.
“It is evident that they are more concerned about suspending officials who do not slavishly follow ANC/EFF instructions and then promoting their own cadres. While the DA welcomes the opportunity to clarify any misconceptions surrounding the appointment of the security service providers, we emphasise the importance of transparency and proper procedures during the investigation,” said DA Spokesperson., Paul Kotze
He added that the DA’s priority remains that of restoring trust and confidence in local government by implementing effective and efficient service delivery measures to meet the needs of the residents.
