MIDDELBURG – Corruption, public disorder and lawlessness appear to be the order of the day in Steve Tshwete, according to the DA.
The party led an anti-corruption march to Steve Tshwete municipal offices on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, to demand investigations on allegations of corruption related to the sale of stands in Dennesig North.
They gave mayor Mhlonishwa Masilela 14 working days to respond to their demands. “Failure to do so will lead to intensification of our demonstrations,” said a memorandum submitted by party leader Jane Sithole.
The municipality, in June 2022, held a raffle for the sale of 700 residential stands in Dennesig North. The stands were planned to be sold at 50% discount prices to first time buyers.
“40% of the identified stands, were to be reserved for people from previously disadvantaged communities such as black, coloured and indian and the discount was to apply only to first-time property owners,” said the memorandum.
“However, despite the above initiative of the municipality, the raffle was apparently procedurally flawed as they were sold to those who did not meet the criteria for the discounted rates but these stands were still sold to them at the discounted rate.”
It continued to say that the municipality in 2022 rescinded the sale of these stands and started an investigation into the raffle following mass discontent and allegations that the raffle was procedurally flawed.
The DA also called for release of forensic investigation report against the executive director for infrastructure services. “The forensic report must be released, the public has the right to know if corruption was present in the execution of their duties,” the memorandum said.
They also demanded provision of basic water in Doornkop. “The provision of water in Doornkop is a significant issue which affects over 5000 houses. This is because the boreholes and water tanks provided by the municipality does not cater for the entire community.”
The memorandum further called on the municipality to enforce its by-laws to minimise public drinking and substance abuse that it said is on the rise with corruption.
