Minister Hlabisa vows to combat corruption in municipalities
Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa pledges to investigate allegations of corruption in five municipalities, responding to questions in the National Assembly about the government's commitment to tackling municipal maladministration.
Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa pledged to address corruption in municipalities, stating he takes action when allegations are brought to his attention. He has referred five municipalities for investigation due to corruption and maladministration claims. These include Mossel Bay Municipality in the Western Cape, Steve Tshwete Municipality in Mpumalanga, and Moqhaka, Matjhabeng, and Fezile Dabi District Municipalities in the Free State.
Hlabisa clarified that the implementation of disciplinary action, civil recovery processes, and criminal proceedings lies with municipal councils and law enforcement agencies. He also stated that the department intervenes only when it receives reports of municipalities not taking appropriate action. When questioned about officials dismissed for financial misconduct, Hlabisa said he is unaware of any such cases.
He committed to supporting measures to combat corruption, after being informed by ActionSA MP Alan Beesley that municipalities are currently not complying with the Special Investigating Unit’s recommendations on blacklisting corrupt companies.
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