Thabo Mofokeng, Lejwele-putswa:
The allegations surrounding the handling of disciplinary hearings and labour disputes in Free State municipalities deserve urgent and independent investigation.
Reports of WhatsApp messages, audio recordings and telephone conversations allegedly pointing to interference, bias and possible corruption in disciplinary processes raise serious concerns.
Among the most troubling claims is an alleged recording in which a commissioner purportedly discusses payments allegedly received from a municipal manager in connection with a disciplinary matter. It has been alleged that an initial payment of R20 000 was made, followed by further payments and promises of additional money while the matter was under appeal. These claims must be verified through proper investigative processes.
Political influence and targeting
There are also allegations that certain municipal managers and political office-bearers have attempted to influence disciplinary or arbitration outcomes, including calls for particular employees to be dismissed.
These matters are not merely internal labour disputes. Municipalities rely on experienced professionals to deliver essential services. If employees are unfairly targeted because of political interests, personal conflicts or corruption, municipalities risk losing institutional knowledge while taxpayers carry the cost of prolonged litigation, appeals and arbitration.
Municipal legal expenditure also requires scrutiny.
I call on the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), municipal councils and relevant oversight bodies to initiate independent forensic investigations. Where legally justified, lifestyle audits should be considered. Investigations should examine alleged payments, conflicts of interest, interference in labour processes, procurement procedures, professional qualifications and possible misuse of funds.
A call for lifestyle audits
The alleged recordings and messages must be authenticated, and those who possess the original material should submit it to competent authorities. Anyone implicated must be afforded the right to respond and due process. The integrity of local government depends on transparent, independent and lawful processes. If the allegations are true, those responsible must face consequences. If they are false, a proper investigation should establish that fact.
