Tshwane's Democratic Alliance (DA) says the Special Investigation Unit's (SIU) decision to tender the investigation into the Roywale wastewater treatment plant to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) highlights the seriousness and urgency of the issue. . .
The party has criticized the South African Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC) for lifting the suspension of five senior Tshwane officials facing charges of fraud in connection with a multi-million rand tender.
The SIU has completed the initial stages of its investigation into a tender marred by allegations of corruption and maladministration.
Tshwane parliamentary group leader Cilliers Brink said: “We therefore need to understand the SIU's decision to make a criminal referral in this matter, although of course it does not necessarily mean a successful prosecution. At least it gives some urgency and emphasizes this point. And I think the City of Tshwane will have to make some difficult decisions.”
The five employees were found guilty of one of four counts of misconduct related to the tender and were suspended with full pay reductions in May 2023. The chair of the disciplinary hearing recommended a one-month suspension.
However, the city rejected this recommendation and placed the employees on long-term suspension while a review application was submitted to the Labor Court.
The case is still pending, and the city has asked the court to expedite the review process.
In its ruling, SALGBC ordered the employees who were suspended unjustly to be compensated for two months' salary.
In response, the city said, “The city is reviewing the arbitration award and its impact. The city will seek advice from senior legal counsel on how to proceed.”
Refurbishment of Hammanskraal's Roywal wastewater treatment plant will cost R4 billion:
