Ekurhuleni does not tolerate graft

PRIORITY: READER’S CASE ALREADY BEING PROBED

1. I have on many occasions during the year reported to the fraud line about a traffic officer running a big registration and licensing business during his working hours with an official vehicle.

Nothing has been done as the traffic officer is continuing with his business while we, as taxpayers, pay his salary, medical aid, pension fund and transport.

Fanie Peens, Boksburg.

Mayor Masina: Thank you for raising this issue with the city. Firstly, I must indicate that the City of Ekurhuleni does not tolerate corruption. This behaviour is highly unacceptable and criminal. It is citizens like yourself who encourage us to continue to fight against corruption and eliminate it from all ranks of local government.

The Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department has made contact in this matter and the investigation is already under way.

It is definitely a priority.

2. A council property, 2 Railway Ave, in Western Extension, Benoni, burnt down six years ago. It’s become a playground for vagrants, druggies and prostitutes and it’s dangerously easy for neighbourhood children to access. After my first e-mail to James Geldart on March 7 and to city manager Imogen Mashazi on October 17, the lack of responsibility is quite astounding. Could you assist?

Soula Foord, Benoni

Mayor Masina: This past week we initiated a process of identifying council buildings which have been vandalised and hijacked. We started in Germiston and aim to tackle all nine towns in Ekurhuleni. We will identify buildings and start rehabilitation. Thank you for bringing the said property to our attention. It will definitely be prioritised.

3. Would Mayor Masina please answer these two questions?

Firstly, the Johannesburg High Court, the Supreme Court of Appeal and the Constitutional Court ruled in favour of Ekurhuleni regarding the famous Meyersdal land swap. It was found the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) was not adhered to and millions of rands were lost to Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. Will the municipality start a civil case to recover the monies and if not, why not?

Mayor Masina: The case was not necessarily a determination of the illegality or legality of the land swap. It was a damages claim based on the alleged delay in issuing section 82 certificates. This will have an impact on whether certain claims have prescribed or not. The legal team was instructed to decipher the judgment. This will be received in due course.

Secondly, will the municipality institute criminal charges against the officials and councillors responsible for the losses and for not adhering to the MFMA and if not, why not?

Rynette Farrar, Alberton.

Mayor Masina: This is a definite option for the City of Ekurhuleni, once we receive legal advice.