Municipal project manager axed amid corruption claims

A number of municipal officials at Ray Nkonyeni municipality could possibly be sacked on grounds of corruption and failure to perform their duties in KwaZulu-Natal, South Coast Herald reports.

Following thorough investigations by the Herald and the municipality, project management unit manager Babazani Zindela was the first to be axed.

Mr Zindela, a head of department (technical services) at the former Ezinqoleni municipality was allegedly dismissed in connection with irregular expenditure and not following correct procedures when awarding tenders.

The Auditor-General found that R24 million from municipal funds had been spent irregularly.

Two service providers were paid R12 million each and proper supply chain management processes were not followed.

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In November, the Herald visited Mlozana in Ezinqoleni, where angry community members were threatening to burn a hall, alleging that it had not cost R4.6 million to build as stated by the municipality.

The Herald discovered that the hall had visible cracks, broken doors and windows, despite the fact that it had not been handed over yet.

Meanwhile, investigations by the Herald also found irregular reporting on the annual financial reports, and projects and funds allocated did not correspond.

RNM spokesman, Simon April, confirmed the municipality had “ended its relationship” with Mr Zindela.

“Due to the provisions of employment that were there between him and the municipality, I am not at liberty to dwell much on the reasons behind termination. Though I do confirm that it is the municipality which terminated the relationship.”

– Caxton News Service

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