Call for protector to probe ‘doomed report’
THE FREEDOM Front Plus has lodged a complaint with the public protector over the section 106 investigation report into irregularities at Phokwane Municipality, where none of the findings have been implemented yet.
The report was compiled in 2015 but was only released by the MEC for Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta), Bentley Vass, last month.
The municipality had last indicated that it had referred the report for legal advice.
The 106 investigation dealt with allegations of maladministration, corruption, non-compliance and malpractice at Phokwane Municipality.
The recommendations include criminally charging the former Phokwane municipal manager for “gross financial misconduct” for non-compliance with supply chain management processes and contravening the municipal finance management act.
FF+ chairperson of the provincial legal committee, Theo Joubert, said the findings of the “doomed report” had been swept under the carpet.
“No action has been taken to implement the findings of the investigation, which has been kept secret since it was handed over to the former MEC for Coghsta, Alvin Botes, in 2015.
“The report was brought to the attention of the current MEC for Coghsta, Bentley Vass, in June 2018.”
Joubert added that the report had highlighted the failure of the municipality to take steps against corruption, maladministration and mismanagement.
“It stated that the former mayor, Vuyisile Khen, and the former municipal manager, Moeketsi Dichaba, failed to uphold their statutory duties to oversee the proper management of the finances of the municipality.”
Joubert pointed out that both officials resigned from Phokwane Municipality in January 2014.
“However, to date they have gone unscathed. Two years after the report was finalised, in 2017, Dichaba was appointed as the HOD for the provincial Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison.”
Joubert stated that Phokwane Municipality continued to suffer one financial crisis after the other.
“Timely intervention could have prevented the bulk electricity interruptions that were implemented due to outstanding debts owed to Eskom.”
Joubert said the FF+ had requested the public protector to investigate why authorities had not acted upon the recommendations of the Section 106 report.
“The public protector must sanction government to implement the findings, which should be legally binding, and also investigate the appointment of Dichaba as the HOD for the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison.”
He pointed out that it was a waste of time, resources and public funds to invest in Section 106 investigations when those implicated were never held accountable.
“In the Northern Cape, municipal mismanagement is reaching epidemic proportions and we hope that the public protector will be able to restore public confidence in state institutions.” A NEWBORN baby was found abandoned inside a black refuse bag in the veld on the corner of Nuweveld and Tafelberg avenues in Carters Glen during the early hours of Saturday morning.
Neighbours said they were more than happy to adopt and assist the “miracle” baby.
“We do not know of anyone who was expecting a baby who is living in the same area.”
A gardener who is employed at one of the houses, Reuben Ndlovu, discovered the baby after he heard faint cries coming from the garden rubble.
“I saw a black refuse bag and at first I thought it could be a puppy. I opened the bag and, to my surprise, it was a baby wrapped in a blanket. The black bag was not knotted closed so that the baby could still breathe. I don’t know how long the baby was left there. I have five children and six grandchildren. It makes me wonder why the baby was just left there.”
A neighbour, Mornay Bindeman, cleaned the baby and kept him warm until paramedics and emergency services arrived.
“If Reuben had not rescued the baby, I doubt if he would have survived. I thought that I was dreaming when my husband called me to come outside after they found the baby.
“He was not wearing a nappy and was cold from being outside. I immediately fell in love with the baby. He did not cry much and seemed to be very healthy. I am also looking after my children and grandchildren and they all jumped in to help. I would be more than willing to take care of him. I think God sent him here for a purpose.”
The Kimberley SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit is investigating a case of child neglect.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Mashay Gamieldien, confirmed that the newborn baby boy was found alive in the veld in Carters Glen at around 6am on February 16.
“It is believed that a gardener discovered the baby when he went to dump dirt in the veld. The police and an ambulance were called and the baby was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. Police investigations are continuing.”
Anyone with information or who can assist the police in locating the mother is requested to contact the investigating officer, Detective Warrant Officer Shanele Antonie, at 082 302 0468.
Gamieldien added that all information would be treated as strictly confidential.
Spokesperson for the Department of Social Development, Gamiem Abrahams, said that the incident was “sad and unfortunate”.
“The discovery of the little baby will now be the subject of a police investigation. Once the mother is located she will most likely face a charge of child abandonment, concealing birth and possible additional charges as determined by the police and the National Directorate of Public Prosecutions.”
He added that the baby would be admitted to hospital where he would be assessed and receive the proper medical treatment.
“The Department of Health as well as police have social workers who will provide psycho-social services and oversee the placement of the baby. This will be done in consultation with the Department of Social Development.”
Abrahams indicated that a determination would be made as to where the baby would be placed based on an investigation that would be conducted by medical teams.
“The details of this particular baby are still vague. At this stage we cannot speculate about adoption. The baby might even be placed in the care and protection of a family if the environment allows therefore. It is only as a last resort, and if it is in the best interest of the baby he will be put up for adoption or placed in a care facility.”
He added that the Department of Social Development would engage with the police and Department of Health to get more information and provide any assistance, if required.