In the statement issued by the chief whip, Jongizizwe Dlabathi, on behalf of Ekurhuleni ANC caucus, he said his office welcomes the clarification provided by Masina on matters relating to the chemical toilets tender, as well as the suspension of chief operations officer (COO) Joe Mojapelo.
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Responding to AmaBhungane investigation findings, Masina said during a press briefing at Ekurhuleni Chambers on July 10 that there was no corruption in the way the chemical toilets tender was awarded.
AmaBhungane reported that the city spent more than R1.1-billion to install toilets in a number of informal settlements and that tenders were awarded to politically connected individuals who delivered shoddy work.
The report suggested how the project became a get-rich-quick scheme for underperforming contractors. But Masina said this was false.
The mayor has also disputed all the allegations contained in the report, saying: “If the report about was about stopping corruption in the city, then there is no corruption here. Corruption is only when you promise to deliver to a certain number of people and you do not deliver.”
He added that even though he was not involved as he was not around at the time, he is confident that there was no wrongdoing.
Masina further disputed claims of the amount spent on the project and called upon all those who claimed they have evidence to come forward.
Prior to the press briefing, the ANC caucus was taken into full confidence on what transpired with regard to the chemical toilets tender and its related services.
But still, Dlabathi said they are satisfied that there were no procurement irregularities emanating from the supply-chain management process.
“We were also assured that measures are being put in place, particularly with regard to the standardisation of rates, as well as the system of monitoring the service. Moreover, Masina has committed to the ANC caucus’ call that where possible, we should progressively install permanent sanitation infrastructure within the informal settlements,” said Dlabathi.
He said as part of their ongoing and strong oversight, they direct all ANC councillors to conduct regular site inspections where chemical toilets are provided and accordingly report challenges.
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On the suspension of the COO, Dlabathi said the caucus said during the council meeting on February 21 that they respect the work of the Special Investigation Unit and that its effort of protecting democracy and fostering of good governance should be supported.
In his conclusion, Dlabathi said: “The ANC caucus is a commitment to ensuring that we preside over a capable, clean and honest institution that upholds good governance.”
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