The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in the Free State welcomes proclamation 162 of 2024 in relation to allegations corruption and maladministration in Tokologo Local Municipality. The latter is the troubled municipality where lack of accountability has become a norm and made fashionable. 

The Federation supports this decision by the President to investigate allegations of corruption in that municipality. It shows that indeed fighting corruption is not only a rhetoric but a serious objective. 

To have the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probing municipalities such as Tokologo is a good sign. Any related unauthorised, irregular, or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by municipalities or losses suffered by them must be recouped, and the role players should face the true might of the law. 

We applaud the decision made by the President to ensure that whenever there’s serious allegations, investigations will ensue. A proclamation such as this will certainly give a clear indication to many that the aim of the government is to uproot corruption by any means necessary.

COSATU believes that this proclamation will go a long way in reassuring our members and the community at large that the time of lack of accountability has passed. We call on the presidency to expedite other proclamations to allow the SIU to attend to similar matters. Such will contribute greatly in demonstrating the commitment of the African National Congress (ANC) to deal with corruption allegations even if it involves some of its own members.

This further asserts the intention of the ANC that every penny from the public purse should be accounted for, and such should be applauded.

The struggle continues!

Issued by COSATU Free State

Monyatso Mahlatsi(Provincial Secretary)

Enquiries on 051 447 5499 or 076 115 9923