Serious allegations have surfaced regarding a DA candidate who may find himself embroiled in an RDP scandal.
According to a reliable source and the deed of sale contract in the Herald’s possession, Mr Romeo Matjila allegedly sold an RDP house to a couple for R30 000 in 2014. He then went on to sell the same house to another individual for R40 000 in 2015.
The first buyers are said to be unhappy after Matjila sold the house they bought while their furniture and belongings were still in it.
The Department of Human Settlement Act 107 of 1997, as amended by the Housing Amendment Act of 2001, clearly states that a beneficiary of an RDP house shall not sell or otherwise alienate his or her dwelling or site within a period of eight years. In light of the act, it can be assumed that Matjila contravened the law by selling the RDP house that he occupied in 2013.
Another source claims that Matjila was earmarked for a mayoral candidacy in Tlokwe for the coming municipal elections. However, his name is believed to have been taken off the list after the DA realised he would put the party into disrepute.
Joe McGluwa, NW DA leader says Matjila is currently a staff member at the DA and not an elected councillor.
“We will, therefore, deal with the issue as with all other staff-related issues and in line with labour legislation. We will investigate these allegations,” he said.
McGluwa added that the party will bear in mind that, during election time, people tend to play the man and not the ball. The party will, therefore, deem him innocent until evidence proves otherwise.
McGluwa refutes the rumour that Matjila was their candidate for the elections.
“The Democratic Alliance in North West does not have mayoral candi-dates in any of our municipalities. It is, thus, untrue that Mr Matjila was earmarked for such a position. The DA, furthermore, does not speculate or act upon rumours and I can assure you that these rumours will have no effect on his position on any list,” he stated emphatically.
In a surprise turn of events, Tlokwe Municipality denies that it had ever allocated an RDP house to Matjila. Willie Maphosa, council spokesperson says:
“I can confirm that Romeo Matjila has never been allocated an RDP house by this municipality. In fact, how he came to take occupation of the house is a matter of investigation that is currently in progress.”
Matjila has not responded to the allegations even though he was given sufficient time.
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