The Democratic Alliance (DA) has referred allegations of nepotism in the Kgatelopele Municipality to the Office of the Public Protector after our calls for an independent investigation were ignored.
The allegations relate to the appointment of trainee traffic officers under the NARYSEC Traffic Officer Programme, which sparked community protests in June.
According to the allegations, three recruits selected for the programme are related to the Municipal Manager and a councillor, and replaced other recruits who were allegedly removed without justification. Reports further indicate that nine of the ten original Kgatelopele recruits were withdrawn just two months after the programme commenced.
There are also allegations of political interference by ANC provincial leadership, which reportedly blocked an investigation and any potential disciplinary action against the Municipal Manager and councillor.
The DA’s complaint to the Public Protector includes documentary evidence that contradicts claims by certain municipal officials that they played no role in the recruitment process of the traffic programme. The evidence includes documents showing officials’ involvement in signing the Memorandum of Understanding between the municipality and the traffic college in Mangaung, as well as a proof of residence signed by the MM for one of the recruits and a subsequent employment confirmation letter issued to the same recruit after completing the programme.
This evidence raises serious questions that warrant an independent investigation, which the Kgatelopele Municipality has failed to facilitate.
The DA trusts that the Public Protector will establish the full facts and, where wrongdoing is found, ensure that those who were unfairly prejudiced receive justice and that anyone who benefited improperly is held accountable.
Public resources must create opportunities based on fairness, transparency and merit, not personal connections.