Various allegations of impropriety and corruption against the Chief Financial Officer and the Executive Mayor of the Alfred Nzo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape

Mr Z Williams
Eastern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Private Bag X0026
Bhisho
5605

and

Cllr S Mehlomakulu
Speaker of the Alfred Nzo District Municipality
Private Bag x 511
EmaXesibeni
4735

Dear MEC Williams and Speaker Mehlomakulu

Various allegations of impropriety and corruption against the Chief Financial Officer and the Executive Mayor of the Alfred Nzo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape

1. I was recently approached by some concerned citizens regarding a set of allegations (attached to this letter for your ease of reference) against the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and the Executive Mayor of the Alfred Nzo District Municipality.

2. Here is a summary of the key points as expounded on in the attached document:
2.1. Allegations against the CFO:
2.1.1. The CFO is accused of manipulating audit processes to falsely present clean audits.
2.1.2. He allegedly benefits himself and his connections, including the Executive Mayor and others in their department, through corrupt practices.
2.1.3. Specific instances of corruption are highlighted, such as awarding tenders to companies linked to the CFO’s relatives without proper registration.
2.1.4. The CFO is accused of negotiating higher costs on tenders to benefit his connections.
2.1.5. The office of the CFO is accused of ignoring fair distribution principles in procurement, favouring companies owned by his friends.
2.1.6. Misuse of municipal resources, such as fleet and personnel, for personal security is mentioned.
2.1.7. Failure to provide oversight on the appointment of a security company and conflicts of interest with another company linked to the Executive Mayor’s wife are highlighted.

2.2. Allegations against the Mayor:
2.2.1. The Executive Mayor is accused of having strong relations with a liquor shop owned by Chinese individuals with dubious intentions.
2.2.2. Allegations of nepotism are made regarding employment, suggesting that municipal jobs are primarily given to members of the Executive Mayor’s church.

3. Conclusion:
3.1. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) reiterates the call for a leave of absence for the CFO due to the allegations against him.
3.2. We request a thorough investigation into the allegations against both the CFO and the Executive Mayor.

4. The UDM would like to emphasise the negative impact these allegations have on the municipality and urges political leadership to act. These are indeed serious accusations of corruption, nepotism, and misuse of power within the municipality’s leadership, and we call immediate investigation and resolution.

Yours sincerely

Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP
President of the United Democratic Movement

Copied to: Cllr Vukile Mhlelembana, Executive Mayor of the Alfred Nzo District Municipality