The Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) in Nketoana Local Municipality has been requested to conduct a thorough investigation, while the municipal manager was told to open a criminal case over alleged irregularities in procurement processes.
This was after a report revealed misconduct in the supply and delivery of municipal Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
The contract, worth more than R1 million, was awarded to Baleri Ba Africa in July 2021.
The report, presented before the council on August 29, revealed discrepancies in the receipt and quality of the goods.
The report found that some of the protective clothing delivered did not meet specifications.
It was also revealed that some were ordered but not delivered.
The contractor was paid in three instalments
- R607 865 (August 24, 2021)
- R354 860 (December 17, 2021)
- R154 310 (April 5, 2022).
The first invoice was signed with a good receipt note, and the other two were fully paid without any signed proof of receipt.
Nketoana municipal manager, Mokete Nhlapo, said he would comment.
DA councillor Diphapang Mofokeng said the party had noted the report and insists that the municipality adheres strictly to established controls regarding expenditure management.
He said the responsible official should face disciplinary actions in line with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) requirements, with MPAC conducting a thorough investigation.
Mofokeng added that Nhlapo should open a criminal case with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and report back to the council.
Last month, the Sunday Independent established that the director of Baleleri ba Africa, Thapelo Nakedi, was Mayor Mamiki Mokoena’s cousin.
This was after the municipality failed to penalise Nakedi for poor performance. Nakedi failed to meet the deadline for completing a concrete reservoir project in February of this year.
“Subsequent investigations have revealed that the contractor, Baleri Ba Africa, is the same entity and director, Nakedi, who was awarded the contract for the construction of a 3ML concrete reservoir in Arlington valued at R17,425,411.03. The project is only 10% complete, months after the contract was awarded,” said Mofokeng.
Mofokeng said further concerns have arisen as Nakedi is a nephew of Mokoena, whose maiden name is Nakedi.
He said Nakedi falsely declared on the tender documents that he had no relationship with any person employed by the municipality, despite his familial connections, including a cousin who is the mayor and his mother who works in the finance department.
“This constitutes fraudulent misrepresentation and provides grounds for terminating the contract,” Mofokeng said.
The DA also called on the municipal manager to launch an immediate investigation into the procurement process that led to the appointment of this contractor, including all declarations related to conflicts of interest. “We further demand a comprehensive, independent investigation into the reservoir project and its lack of progress.”
“Failure to address this matter will mean continued suffering for the Nketoana community due to corruption and nepotism. The DA will not stand by while essential services and infrastructure are denied to the community due to political connections and poor governance. We will fight to ensure accountability, transparency, and fair treatment for all contractors, irrespective of their political connections,” said Mofokeng.
Nakedi did not comment.
Sunday Independent
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