Luxury kit to ‘protect’ refuse removal staff

CASH-STRAPPED Engcobo local municipality in the Eastern Cape has splurged more than R1.3-million on protective clothing — including expensive Timberland jackets — for its refuse removal staff.

The jackets bear the municipality’s logo.

Timberland jackets retail for between R3 000 and R6 000 and the US brand is popular among the young and trendy.

The jackets were procured as part of a council tender for the supply of “protective clothing”, which appears to be issued annually.

The tender for the clothing, which includes jackets, boots and trousers, was valued at R1 398 748 and was issued by the refuse and recycling department, which is part of the municipality’s community services division.

Engcobo, in the Transkei, has been named one of the 20 worst-performing municipalities in the country by the Good Governance Index.

The municipality also issued a separate tender this year to supply more protective clothing, including 200 pairs of gloves, 25 beanies and 25 bush hats, but it’s not clear if these would be procured from Timberland.

In the 2014-15 financial year, the municipality bought 70 pairs of Caterpillar boots for the same staff. The boots retail for about R1 800.

Sisanda Nxazonke, an official in the municipality’s finance department, refused to explain why the municipality had opted for the fancy Timberland jackets.

She referred all inquiries to municipal manager Silumko Mahlasela, who failed to respond to calls and text messages.

Other officials in the municipality’s supply chain management department also refused to explain why the municipality bought Timberland jackets instead of winter jackets that retail at a fraction of the price.

The EFF said the jackets were issued to staff working in the BIN BLING: A Timberland jacket bearing the municipality logo refuse removal unit earlier this year.

“A staff member said these jackets were bought before the elections, for the refuse department,” said Wonga Dunjwa, secretary of the EFF in the Chris Hani region.

DA member of the provincial legislature Celeste Barker, whose constituency includes Engcobo, said the municipality ought to explain why the staff needed Timberland jackets.

“We’re alarmed by what could be

A jacket produced locally would give as much warmth and protection

an excessive expenditure. We recognise that it is essential that they require protective clothing for their hands and feet, and warm garments because it’s outdoor work,” Barker said.

“Are they getting the Timberland jackets at a reduced price?

“What is the total amount paid? Why are they not supporting the buy local [campaign]?”

Barker said a jacket produced locally in Jeffreys Bay would give as much warmth and protection and the matter needed further investigation because Engcobo was rural and poor.