Suspended Durban City Manager ‘strolls’ back into office
Sipho Nzuza, eThekwini Municipality's City Manager returned to work after his six-month suspension on allegations of violating procurement processes.
OPPOSITION councillors were left frustrated when corruption-accused Sipho Nzuza, eThekwini Municipality’s City Manager, “strolled” back to work yesterday.
During a full council meeting on Wednesday, Speaker of the house, Weziwe Thusi told councillors that Nzuza had instructed Deputy City Manager, Sipho Cele to act on his behalf.
“There is a letter written to Sipho Cele that (says), ‘Please don’t forget to represent me at the council meeting today as agreed I have confirmed with the mayor as well’,” said Thusi.
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Nzuza was arrested in March this year as accused number 17 for his alleged involvement in the irregular 2017 Durban Solid Waste tender worth in excess of R430 million.
He is currently out on R50 000 bail and is expected to appear in court again on the 10 December.
Following his arrest, Nzuza was suspended from his position for six months.
His suspension was for a different matter being investigated by the KZN Treasury Department relating to allegations of violating procurement processes.
The special leave expired on 25 September which meant Nzuza was free to resume his duties as City Manager.
Cele had been appointed as Acting City Manager in Nzuza’s absence.
One of Nzuza’s bail conditions is that he does not get involved in any supply chain management processes or awarding of tenders.
Under the Municipal Finance Management Act and the city’s SCM policies, the City Manager has extensive responsibility in the awarding of tenders, contracts and procurement processes.
ALSO READ: WATCH: EFF members protest against corruption within eThekwini Municipality
Nicole Graham, Democratic Alliance eThekwini caucus leader, said her party motivated for all SCM powers and functions to be formally designated to Krish Kumar, the City’s Financial Officer.
That motion was voted down by the ANC majority.
“Nzuza’s justification is that he has no incentive to breach his bail conditions. What Nzuza claims his plans are is frankly immaterial,” said Graham.
“As the DA, our priority is ensuring that the city’s finances and procurement policies are not compromised more than they already are. This cannot be a negotiated settlement with Nzuza himself.”
Graham accused ANC councillors of not being serious about curbing corruption within the Municipality.
Msawakhe Mayisela, eThekwini Municipality spokesperson said Nzuza was legally obliged to resume his duties.
“EThekwini Municipality Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda will meet with Nzuza to discuss how is he going to perform his duties against the backdrop of his bail conditions,” he said.
Nzuza is the latest corruption-accused official in the eThekwini Municipality to go back to resume their duties following Sandile Ngcobo and Robert Abbu who are also co-accused in the DSW tender.
Vusimuzi Khoza, provincial chairperson of the EFF, posted a message on Twitter which said they are planning to go to the Durban City Hall on Thursday to physically prevent Nzuza and Ngcobo from going to work.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
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