A City of Johannesburg official responsible for trade and investment projects has been dismissed after being found guilty of dishonesty and wrongfully influencing tenders.
MMC for Economic Development, Leah Knott, explained that the official engaged in private business without the City’s permission.
“[The official] breached our code of ethics, influenced procurement decisions for their own benefit and acted against the interests of the City,” she said. “The City has declared war on corruption – no action contrary to observing the principles of fair and honest professional standards will be accommodated.”
Executive Mayor, Herman Mashaba’s sentiments regarding corruption remain at the core of driving good governance within the City, Knott said.
Soon after the official’s dismissal, Mashaba announced on 15 January that Finance MMC, Dr Rabelani Dagada, has been suspended as councillor and removed as the MMC of Finance. He said
Dagada would face an inquiry by the DA’s federal legal commission and will also have to appear before the council’s ethics committee after allegations of favouritism relating to tenders within his department surfaced.
Mashaba said the forensic investigation found that Dagada was involved in price-fixing with one of the City’s service providers and he will also face criminal charges.
Dagada denied the allegations and remained adamant that this recent incident was part a political fight. He said he has been subjected to an unrelenting witch-hunt to remove him from the mayoral committee and to kill his political career.
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