UDM Nelson Mandela Bay calls for accountability and transparency after R53 million flood repair tender irregularities
Statement by Luxolo Namette, UDM councillor in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality and Deputy Chairperson of the UDM in the Eastern Cape
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality is gravely concerned by the explosive revelations regarding alleged misconduct by senior officials of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, as detailed in a memorandum by the municipality’s former Acting City Manager, Mr Sizwe Mvunelwa.
The memorandum apparently outlines a troubling sequence of events suggesting that seven senior officials may have misled the Office of the City Manager and deliberately bypassed valid contracts in order to irregularly award new flood repair projects worth R53 million. This, despite the existence of properly procured service providers already under contract with the municipality.
This conduct not only undermines the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), but it also exposes the Municipality to serious legal risks, potential withdrawal of disaster relief funding, and irreparable damage to the communities of KwaNobuhle, Kariega, and Kwazakhele, who continue to suffer the consequences of the devastating floods without timely intervention.
The allegations include:
• Possible collusion to subvert procurement procedures;
• Recommending the appointment of companies without valid tax clearance certificates;
• Issuing appointment letters to companies in violation of legal requirements;
• Concealing critical information from incoming leadership to influence decision-making.
Such actions, if proven, represent a gross dereliction of duty and a betrayal of public trust. The UDM fully supports the call for this matter to be referred to independent law enforcement agencies, such as the Hawks or the Special Investigating Unit, for a thorough and impartial investigation.
We further call for:
• The immediate suspension of all officials implicated in the memorandum, pending the outcome of investigations.
• A full audit of the tender processes related to the R53 million flood relief funding.
• The reversal of all irregularly issued contracts and reinstatement of the original contractors appointed under the valid triennial agreement.
• Assurance from the municipality that service delivery in the affected communities will not be compromised due to internal administrative failures.
The UDM maintains that the integrity of public institutions must be upheld at all costs. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and demand accountability for those who compromise the rule of law and the needs of the people for personal or political gain.
