The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Polokwane welcomes the raid conducted today by the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (Hawks) at the offices of the Polokwane Municipality.
Information from a whistleblower less than 2 months ago raised serious questions regarding a list of 28 tenders totalling over R724 million that may be linked to high-level municipal officials.
The spreadsheet outlined bid numbers and contract values,most of which were awarded during 2022 and 2023 and suggests serious impropriety involving the Executive Mayor , John Mpe, and the Municipal Manager, Thuso Nemugumoni.
According to the document, a number of tenders were awarded to foreign-owned companies, while others allegedly involve entities with links to the Executive Mayor, the Municipal Manager, her partner, and close personal associates.
In light of what the President said at the ANC ‘roll call’ event on Monday, we challenge the ANC-led administration to put to practice the words uttered about accountability and initiate a full forensic investigation to determine the credibility of the alleged links.
Further to this we challenge the Mayor and all senior officials to declare their gift registers since they have held office and undergo a full lifestyle audit.
Should a special council not be called within 7 days to enact the above, the DA in Polokwane will submit a motion to council. Accountability and transparency, especially in the light of the allegations and Hawks raid, are non-negotiable.
The people of Polokwane deserve a municipality that is free of corruption and governed by integrity. The DA will not rest until these allegations are properly investigated and those found guilty face the full consequences of the law.