The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the City of Tshwane says the decision by the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) to refer the investigation into the Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Works tender to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) highlights the seriousness and urgency of the matter.
The party criticises the South African Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC) for lifting the suspension of five senior Tshwane officials facing misconduct charges related to the multi-million-rand tender.
The SIU has completed the initial phase of its investigation into the tender, which has been marred by allegations of corruption and maladministration.
DA Tshwane Caucus Leader Cilliers Brink says, “So the SIU’s decision to make criminal referrals in this matter, and of course, we have to understand that that does not necessarily mean they will be successful prosecutions, but at least it gives urgency and it gives emphasis to this matter. And I think it also forces the City of Tshwane to make some difficult decisions.”
The five officials were suspended on full pay in May 2023 after being found guilty of one of four misconduct charges related to the tender. The chairperson of the disciplinary hearing recommended a one-month suspension.
However, the City rejected this recommendation and placed the officials on extended suspension while filing a review application with the Labour Court.
The case is still pending, and the City has requested the court to expedite the review process.
In its ruling, the SALGBC ordered the officials be compensated with two months’ salary for what it deemed an unfair suspension.
In response, the city stated: “The city is studying the arbitration award and its implications. The city intends to enlist the services of a senior legal counsel to advise on the way forward.”
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