Sekhukhune district R270 million tender probed

A multimillion rand security tender has caused ructions within the Sekhukhune district municipal council with opposition parties claiming the award process was dubious.

Municipal manager Danger Madumane allegedly went against the council’s recommendations in appointing a security company to guard the premises of four Sekhukhune district municipal sub-regions.

Appointment

The R270 million tender was awarded on 13 April. The council recommended four companies be appointed to provide security services to these sites, but instead Madumane appointed one company.

Madumane’s action allegedly did not have the support of the entire municipal council, resulting in the opposition opening a case of corruption with the Hawks.

Hawks spokesperson in Limpopo Lieutenant Colonel Matimba Maluleke confirmed the unit is investigating corruption allegations in the municipality.

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During an ordinary council sitting on 28 April this year, caucus leader for the opposition party, Seun Mogotji of the Bolsheviks, raised concerns about the awarding of the tender.

“Mayor Maredi Moganyetji undertook to investigate this appointment. But Madumane went ahead and handed over a letter of appointment to a Nelspruit-based security company against a council resolution to investigate the appointment,” Mogotji said.

Illegal

In a letter to the Sekhukhune municipal council and municipal manager Nancy Rampedi, Sigwavhulimu Attorneys ordered the municipality to rescind the appointment, claiming it was illegal.

Council spokesperson Maredi Kgetjepe said Madumane was within his rights. But The Citizen can reveal that Treasury declined his request to deviate from the requirements of the tender.

He could not be reached for comment.

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