Mbhashe chief whip reported to Mkhwebane for nepotism

The chief whip of the Mbhashe municipality has been reported to public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane and co-operative governance and traditional affairs MEC Fikile Xasa for alleged nepotism.

Bhisho has confirmed they were probing the allegations.

Mkhwebane’s office also confirmed receiving the complaint, but has not decided whether or not to investigate.

Mandla Sibingibingi is in hot water after a resident, Usivile Mboneli, lodged both complaints, accusing him of facilitating the employment of his wife and other relatives.

In the complaint seen by the Daily Dispatch, Mboneli alleges that Sibingibingi’s wife was employed as his personal assistant in 2016.

“It is alleged that he later facilitated the employment of his wife’s sister and his son’s wife.

“All of them are still the employees of the municipality,” the complaint reads.

Mbhashe municipality spokesperson Ncebakazi Kolwane denied that Sibingibingi’s wife was his PA, saying there was only one person who shared a similar surname, Thandiswa Sibingibingi, who is a general worker in the local authority. He said Mandla’s wife works for government elsewhere.

Cogta provincial spokesperson Mamkeli Ngam said: “The office of the MEC can confirm receipt of the letter from the Mbhashe local municipality with allegations against the chief whip.

“The MEC will refer it to the relevant office for the necessary guidance and response as a matter of urgency,” Ngam said.

Mkhwebane’s spokesperson Oupa Segalwe said the matter was still undergoing a standard process of assessment.

Contacted to elaborate on his claims, Mboneli called on Xasa to investigate the municipality’s top officials, including Sibingibingi, mayor Samkelo Janda and speaker Babalwa Majavu, for allegedly turning a blind eye on the alleged nepotism.