SABRINA DEAN – The Free State Government says no officials will be suspended for the duration of an investigation into allegations of irregularities at the Moqhaka Local Municipality.
Spokesperson Mondli Mvambi says Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements HOD Mokete Duma has established a task team in terms of section 106 of the Municipal Systems Act.
"That task team has been set-up, is working and is expected to conclude its work by the end of January this year," he says.
Mvambi says processes are underway to facilitate a smooth return to work for those officials under investigation. "Those officials who are alleged to have been part of any malpractice or maladministration must return to work smoothly so that if any investigation is done it is done while those people are at work," he says.
He says the workers who embarked on an illegal strike will also be investigated for undermining municipal authority, as well as intimidation. "It is anarchic behaviour that cannot be tolerated because it goes against the prescripts of the Constitution," he says.
Municipal service delivery was brought to a standstill earlier this week as workers went on strike to protest over alleged irregularites at the Municipality. They are calling for Municipal Manager Sion Mqwathi to step down or be removed from office, among other things.
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