The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in the Free State welcomes the bold decision made by President Cyril Ramaphosa to authorise the Special Investigation Unit to investigate allegations pertaining to procurement or contracting of a physical security service in Moqhaka Local Municipality.
It is the second municipality in the Free State in a space of seven(7) days following Tokologo Local Municipality that was flagged for investigation by the president through the SIU, empowered by section 2(2) of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996.
Such proves that a pattern of impunity in municipalities was set. We hope that this will send a clear message to section 56 and 57 managers that have been entrusted to run our municipalities in the province, that the time of evading accountability has passed.
This is an assurance that corruption will no longer go unpunished under this administration. COSATU urges those that might have any information that will assist the SIU, to come forward.
Whistle blowers are encouraged to blow the lid of corruption by exposing those that have had the decency to enrich themselves using public funds that should be allocated to our communities. The state is further called upon to ensure that whistle-blowers are protected at all costs so that disclosing maladministration, fraud and corruption and cooperating with the law enforcement agencies intensifies in municipalities that have been flagged as dysfunctional.
We believe that the community’s faith and confidence will be restored once those that have been stealing from them are brought to book.
The struggle continues!
Issued by COSATU Free State
Monyatso Mahlatsi (Provincial Secretary)
Enquiries on 051 447 5499 or 076 115 9923