Three implicated in traffic scandal denies interfering in process

Finally, Emalahleni Local Council is shedding some light after the probe into alleged nepotism.

The phrase ‘nepotism’ was used in various comments and statements on social media, meetings between concerned parties and the council and an ordinary council meeting after it was discovered that a traffic officer’s learnership programme went sour.

It was exposed that some of the recruits were direct family of members of the mayoral committee (MMC) and the chairperson of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC).

MPAC chairperson Cllr Jerry Djiana, MMC for Environmental and Waste Management Cllr Thabang Mathebula and MMC Public Safety and Community Services Cllr Derrick Skhosana were fingered and denied manipulating the process.

“The three councillors admitted to being the direct family of some of the recruits but said they had no influence what so ever on the selection,” said Mr Lebo Mofokeng municipal spokesperson.

The preliminary investigation could not conclusively make an adverse finding in the investigation and the matter will be referred to the ethics committee or council processes as provided for in the standing rules of order.

Neither the South African National Civic Organization (Sanco) nor the Democratic Alliance (DA) is satisfied with the outcome of the preliminary report.

“We cannot accept a report that does not provide substantial evidence in the form of curriculum vitae that were submitted, proof that all the candidates who were selected had met the relevant requirements and are most importantly in possession of a matric certificate, a valid driver’s license and have a clean criminal record,” said DA caucus leader Cllr Naritha Naidu.

“Once again this is just a strategy used in order to implicate junior officials while the ‘big fish’ get away without any consequence management and accountability. This is a blatant cover-up because it is no coincidence that several family members, spouses, and partners end up on this programme. If it was one or two individuals it will be seen as coincidence, however to have several is a mere cover-up. It is absolutely pathetic and unacceptable because the senior managers will always use their tactics to intimidate junior officials,” Cllr Naidu said.

The DA has submitted their questions in writing to the accounting officer and all documents have been requested.

Mr George Lukhele from Sanco said they will pursue the matter further.

The traffic programme kicked off in 2018. The safety and security department afforded the recruits an opportunity to be put through the traffic programme to train and obtain diplomas in being traffic cops.

The course took 10 months.

People with a grade 12, no criminal record and valid driver’s license were invited to apply for the internship. Each successful applicant received a stipend of R1 500 per month.

Cllr Malatjie said not one of the recruits was signed on permanently at Emalahleni Local Municipality.

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