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The Zoutpansberg Community Development Forum (ZCDF) has launched a scathing attack on the Makhado Municipality, vowing to not let go of the matter until a thorough investigation is completed.

ZCDF calls for investigation into 'jobs-for-pals' scheme

 

The Makhado Municipality is being accused of running a “jobs-for-pals” scheme, where the family members and friends of councillors, specifically those serving in executive positions, are given preference.

The Zoutpansberg Community Development Forum (ZCDF) has launched a scathing attack on the municipality, vowing to not let go of the matter until a thorough investigation is completed.

“Allegations of nepotism and cronyism are rife in this municipality, and we want investigations urgently,” said Patrick Sikhutshi, chairperson of the ZCDF. Sikhutshi explained that the municipality had advertised and filled positions of roughly 100 general workers to render much-needed services to the community.

According to the ZCDF, the process of filling the positions was influenced by executive councillors and deserving applicants were side-lined. Friends and family members of the councillors ended up being appointed, Sikhutshi alleged.

Sikhutshi said the appointments should have been done last year, but the process was stopped by certain councillors who wanted to wait for the regional conference of the ANC to take place. Only after the conference in November did the process continue. The ZCDF believes that the infighting between the factions in the ANC is also reflective of a toxic culture whereby the “winner” of the “fight” gets to influence the process of appointing workers.

“We are fed up with corruption and nepotism in this municipality. Some people are occupying positions that they don´t even qualify for. Workers must be employed according to their credentials, not according to favours. We are going to fight this, and we want the vacant positions of directors and managers to be filled immediately,” Sikhutshi said.

The secretary of the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) in the Makhado Municipality, Mr Tsanwani Raduvha, said as a union they would investigate the allegations.

The spokesperson of the Makhado Municipality, Mr Louis Bobodi, said that the municipality had not received any formal complaint concerning the appointment of the workers. He said that when they received a formal complaint, they would investigate the allegations.

 

 

Date:20 May 2022

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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