A councillor is seeking the dismissal of a Ward 91 committee member for allegedly flouting ward governance and council regulations which bar City officials from contracting with the City.
Ward 91 councillor, Andrew Stewart alleges that the member, Ntombi Theys’ company, is subcontracted for work worth R2 million by a major construction company which has a tender to widen Katherine Drive in Sandton as part of road upgrades for the Bus Rapid Transit [BRT] system.
Stewart said he was informed of the subcontract by Theys’ employees who allegedly left after they were not paid their salaries.
“Their case was reported to the Department of Labour for a hearing where Theys attended once and failed [to show] on four occasions. Also, it was taken to the provincial constituency office where she allegedly didn’t attend,” said Stewart.
“Their case exposed her transgression of City laws which gave her an unfair advantage in getting the subcontract. This has serious implications as it discourages other small, struggling businesses from bidding for work with the City.”
Stewart also said he approached the Johannesburg Development Agency which is responsible for the work, but it denied knowledge of her and her subcontract but said they wouldn’t let her access other works if she continued as a ward committee member.
Stewart said he would also propose council adopt stricter regulations to stop city officials abusing their positions of power. “This erodes councillors’ and officials’ images and trust by residents,” he said.
Stewart claimed the public feels officials reap financial benefits by directing opportunities to friends and families. This, he said in reference to a wife of a Ward 91 committee member who allegedly is a Community Liaison Officer (CLO) in the same subcontract.
He further alleged the contract in question may be ending soon and most of the money will likely have been paid to Theys’ company. He said the move for her removal was a matter of principle.
Godfrey Lebakeng, one of the four workers involved, confirmed the matter. “We never received our total pay every month from the time we were engaged in July; and in September, received nothing and had to stop work in December. All we want is our money.” He said the CLO was not helpful and they are now relying on the department for their outstanding pay.
Alex News approached Theys who declined to comment.
Details: Councillor Andrew Stewart 083 564 0027.
