SANCO accuses muni of corruption, nepotism
Baloyi has accused Magabane and the mayor, Sammy Selamolela, of awarding tenders without prior advertisements
LIMPOPO – The South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) in Blouberg has come out guns blazing, accusing “political principals” in the local municipality of corruption, maladministration and nepotism.
Sanco chairperson, Hlengani Baloyi, says the municipality is teetering on the brink of collapse, citing lack of service delivery due to maladministration under the stewardship of the acting municipal manager, Thabo Magabane.
Baloyi has accused Magabane and the mayor, Sammy Selamolela, of awarding tenders without prior advertisements.
“As residents of Blouberg, we are shocked to see contractors suddenly working on projects that have never been advertised. What is even appalling is that these tenders are awarded to politically connected people.
Tenders are awarded to incompetent contractors who continue to do poor workmanship. We are concerned that the municipality will collapse and that service delivery will come to a complete halt.
“We are well aware that in the procurement processes, prices are inflated and this amounts to corruption. There is a lot of fruitless expenditure at the municipality.
‘I invite him to come to the municipal offices’
Magabane, however dismissed Baloyi’s claims, saying he was ill-informed and therefore spreading lies.
“Baloyi is far from the truth as far as matters of the council are concerned. He is being misled by people who are also in the dark. I invite him to come to the municipal offices so that we can clarify the situation with him,” said Magabane.
“There is legislation called the Promotion of Access to Information Act. He must come to my office with a letter requesting information relating to the procurement of municipal property. I will provide him with all the necessary information he needs.
“If Baloyi or anyone suspects that there is any form of corruption taking place at the municipality, those people are advised to go to the nearest police station and open a criminal case.”
