Brenda Mahuma, the Executive Mayor of the Rand West City Local Municipality (RWCLM) has responded to the petition by the DA on social media against her and the Speaker of Council.
Mahuma said in a statement the allegations of corruption levelled against her and the Speaker are malicious claims to bring shame to both their characters.
“We acknowledge the allegations made by the leader of the DA in Council, and we will take this opportunity to clear the issue and challenge the DA to prove those allegations,” the Mayor said.
She went on to say that the DA seeks a response to the allegations that the Executive Mayor and Speaker of Council have failed to observe its legislative and executive responsibilities in respect of the following matters:
1. Unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure to the tune of R1,5 billion during the financial years 2016/ 2017, 2017/ 2018 and 2018/ 2019;
2. Removal of containers at the Mohlakeng hostel sports ground
3. Irregular appointments of Kwane Fleet and MBD
4. The Speaker of Council’s acts of corruption
“The allegations levelled against me and the Speaker of Council are another attempt by the DA to subvert the democratic and legislated processes of the City, and to undermine standing rules of Council as a means to gain political attention and mileage.
“The DA has suddenly lost track of moments of time. When I took office, I immediately subjected the unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure to the tune of R1,5 billion to scrutiny and fought tirelessly to subject officials involved to explain their role in the expenditure.
I did so as I correctly understood that consequence management must be exercised on any official who did not properly perform his/ her function. Bear in mind, as the Executive Mayor I was not part of Council then,” the statement read.
She added that the DA has vacillated on every critical decision in Council in order to manage its deeply fractured caucus, which is laden with mistrust and insecurities based on the on-going racial politics by its councillors from the party.
“As the Executive Mayor, I have displayed transparency in the management of the affairs of the City and will continue to do so within the structures, rules and norms of Council. Even in this instance, we will clear the smoke screens and expose the true and real threats to progress within the City as represented by the DA,” the statement said.
The Mayor wished to assure residents that no effort is being spared to ensure that any official or politician involved in corruption is exposed, and harsh action will be taken against such individuals.
“RWCLM deserves a fresh environment free of acts of corruption. I will ensure that we act decisively on anyone who is found to be an ally of corruption. Our focus is mainly to act on corruption and restore service delivery in our communities,” the statement concluded.
Hullet Hild, DA Caucus leader confirmed the ongoing online petition against the Mayor and Speaker of Council.
“Yes, the DA is running an online petition to remove the Rand West City Mayor, Cllr Brenda Mahuma and the Speaker of Council.
Hild further explained that the petition came after the results of the investigation into maladministration, fraud, corruption and serious malpractice at the municipality were made public in April.
“A media statement dated 22 April 2021 on the outcome of an investigation conducted by Adv William Mokhare SC in terms of section 106(1)(b) of the Municipal Systems Act into allegations of maladministration, fraud, corruption and serious malpractice that have occurred at the Rand West City Local Municipality, made recommendations.
“After considering the findings and recommendations in the report we decided to put in a motion for a debate to remove both the Mayor and Speaker. Considering the current coronavirus situation it is safer to do online petitions. The DA has been doing online petitions for a while now.”
Asked if this was an opportunity to score political points or taking advantage of the recent scandal that has rocked the municipality, Hild said, “The DA as the official opposition at the RWCLM must act on behalf of the residents of this city to ensure that services get delivered and that every rand is well spent. It is clear the ANC failed the residents and we will use council procedures such as motions for debate to hold the ANC accountable.”
