The Lungile Mtshali Project, which was launched by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality last year, is aimed at improving the lives of local communities.
This is at the cost of R1-m per year, per ward, on projects that would leave a legacy.
“For over a month now, I have seen dozens of people gathering every working day at the civic centre at Jan Smuts Dam, dressed in the Lungile Mtshali green overalls, but doing absolutely nothing,” said Veronica Dyson, councillor of Ward 97 in Brakpan.
“Upon making enquiries, I have been told that they were “employed” on March 1, but have not been paid yet.
“They have been informed they will receive “double pay” at the end of April.
“If this is true, it is unacceptable in terms of labour law to make people wait for their salaries, even if they are being mismanaged.”
According to Dyson, she was not told about the details of those employed.
“I have been kept completely in the dark; how many people there are, from which area they come, what project they are working on and what their duties are,” she said.
“Time and time again over the past weeks, I have noticed that after sitting near the outside walls or lying on the grass in the mornings, the majority leave the premises between noon and 1pm.
“It seems that no-one is in charge or giving them any direction.”
Dyson claims to have seen people in the trademark green uniforms wandering around the Brakpan CBD on more than one occasion.
“But worse, I have had reports from other wards that people in the same uniform have been distributing ANC pamphlets in Tsakane and Duduza and canvassing voters,” she said.
“Equally worrying, I am told by an authoritative source that the Lungile Mtshali area liaison officer for Brakpan is the sister of the Metro’s MMC for Legal and Corporate Services.
“I haven’t been introduced to the lady yet to ask her about this allegation, but I will most certainly be investigating this appointment further through questions to council.
“I will also be asking if it is true that she lives in Benoni and whether or not applicants from Brakpan were considered, given that the Lungile Mtshali Project is intended to provide employment for local people where possible.”
