President Ramaphosa urged to take action against corruption in Emfuleni Local Municipality

The troubled Emfuleni Local Municipality in the Vaal in Gauteng has asked President Cyril Ramaphosa to authorise a wide-ranging Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe into its affairs.

Emfuleni Mayor Sipho Radebe this week informed Ramaphosa and copied Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, and the province’s Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) MEC Jacob Mamabolo about the dire state of the municipality.

Radebe’s letter follows complaints received over a week ago from the Roshnee community in Vereeniging regarding serious allegations of unlawful and unfair electricity disconnections, inaccurate billing, and claims of bribery and extortion involving municipal officials.

He promised that the municipality was committed to addressing the Roshnee community matters with the urgency they deserve.

According to Radebe, the community has been unhappy with the municipality’s revenue collection, electricity supply, fleet management, stores (fleet and electricity), waste management, state of cemeteries, and supply chain management.

He appealed for presidential intervention.

"While we are determined to confront and eradicate maladministration and corruption, our municipality faces significant resource constraints that may limit the scope and effectiveness of this investigation," Radebe stated.

He humbly appealed to Ramaphosa's office to authorise a presidential proclamation enabling the SIU to assist the municipality.

"The SIU’s legal mandate and forensic expertise are indispensable to ensuring a credible, thorough, and conclusive investigation that restores public trust and integrity in local governance," Radebe explained.

In addition, he requested provincial collaboration to expedite interim corrective actions.

The municipality will formally request the Gauteng CoGTA to provide the findings of the forensic investigation conducted by the George Fivaz Security Company in 2022.

"We believe that these findings will provide immediate insights and assist us in implementing corrective measures while awaiting the SIU proclamation," Radebe said.

He said the latest allegations point to potentially broader patterns of corruption across multiple departments, underscoring the urgent need for a comprehensive SIU-led inquiry.

Radebe committed to the community that the municipality acknowledged receipt of the community's correspondence and reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to addressing the matters they raised with the urgency they deserve.

"We have initiated immediate steps to respond to the issues raised and wish to assure the Roshnee community - and all residents - of our determination to find a lasting, transparent, and equitable resolution," he said.

In the meantime, in direct response to the community's allegations and in line with the municipality's commitment to clean and transparent governance, Radebe has resolved to institute a comprehensive forensic investigation.

"This investigation will focus on service delivery departments where operational weaknesses and allegations of misconduct have been identified," he explained.

Radebe has also undertaken to arrange an urgent engagement with the Roshnee community and its leadership.

"The purpose of this meeting is to gain a detailed understanding of their concerns, provide transparency on our interventions, and reaffirm our commitment to accountable, responsive, and people-centred governance," he said.

According to Radebe, the municipality is fully aware of the gravity of the situation and the erosion of public trust that has ensued.

"The Emfuleni Local Municipality is determined to confront these challenges decisively.

"Your support in this crucial endeavour will be deeply appreciated and will represent a decisive step toward restoring integrity, public confidence, and improved service delivery within our municipality," reads the letter.

loyiso.sidimba@inl.co.za