‘Dodgy’ candidate on shortlist

MUNICIPAL MANAGER: APPLICANT ALLEGEDLY NARROWLY AVOIDED INVESTIGATION PREVIOUSLY

►► Failed to deliver on two big projects in his previous stint.

Mogale City municipality on the West Rand has raised eyebrows after the selection and interview panel shortlisted a former executive manager, allegedly responsible for the R1.9-billion mega projects fiasco, for the position of municipal manager.

Executive mayor Tyrone Gray confirmed the municipality’s former executive manager for economic development services, Makhosana Msezana, is one of three candidates recommended for the position.

He confirmed Andile Dyakala, who was suspended by the Emfuleni local municipality days after blowing the whistle on allegations of corruption related to the a R57-million contract, as well as Khoahli Moeketsi Ernest, were also shortlisted.

“This is correct. However the report was tabled in committee and has not been reported publicly yet,” he said.

Internal sources who spoke to Saturday Citizen on condition of anonymity claim Msezana was responsible for the execution of the incomplete Krugersdorp central business district taxi rank and the Brickvalley housing project.

When the municipality ordered an internal verification audit into the two projects, Msezana allegedly withheld information and key documents from the auditors.

“He refused to cooperate with the audit verification process … hence the report alludes to limitations of scope and recommended the full forensic investigation” the official said.

Another source close to the audit said Msezana’s fixed-term contract expired in September 2019 and that he was offered an extension, but refused.

“He did not want the extension because of the pending audit report. He was avoiding investigation because, had he stayed, he would have been charged and arrested,” the source alleged.

“Now, there are behind-thescenes moves to bring him back as a municipal manager by those who want access to the project funds.”

He said there were plans for the provincial government to release more funds for the completion of the housing project and that Msezana, who is yet to respond to a request for comment, was being positioned to enable access to these funds.

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