Allegations that some members of parliament in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) have protected the executive mayor of the Matjhabeng municipality, Thanduxolo Khalipha, against investigations into alleged corruption have come to the fore.
George Michalakis, MP-DA constituency head for the Matjhabeng Local Municipality, in a motion tabled before parliament on Thursday stipulated allegations of kickbacks of R4 million from certain service providers, and also allegations that some service providers are ANC donors, during a motion to have Khalipha investigated.
Michalakis raised the issues of irregular appointments within the municipality and inflated invoices for work never done.
He told parliament that Khalipha is being protected by the ruling party.
The ANC’s permanent NCOP delegate for the Free State, Lydia Moshodi, among others objected to the DA’s motion, for an investigation by the Special Investigations unit in the interest of the residents of Matjhabeng, effectively blocking this request.
“Services within the municipality are in an advanced state of collapse and decay. These include sewage plants, roads, as well as water and electricity provision. Poor services worsened by staff strikes and protests, and it is ultimately the residents of Matjhabeng who suffer,” says Michalakis.
The DA premier candidate and leader in the Free State, Dr Roy Jankielsohn, together with Michalakis and the DA-Matjhabeng caucus leader, Igor Scheurkogel, laid charges with the Hawks regarding service provider contracts and alleged kickbacks.
“It is crucial for thorough criminal investigations to be conducted. The DA will continue to fight in the interest of all the people of Matjhabeng,”says Michalakis.
