Eastern Cape co-operative governance and traditional affairs MEC Zolile Williams has called on the Mhlontlo municipal council to take disciplinary action against a high-ranking councillor who allegedly stormed an interview process for two posts in the municipality.
Local economic development, planning and rural development political head Mbuti Voko allegedly marched into the venue, accompanied by armed guards, and made off with laptops and all interview material while telling those present the interviews were over.
The interviews were for two committee clerks.
The municipality opened a case against Voko after the incident.
Williams, through his spokesperson, was reacting to a letter sent to him by the UDM in the council asking that he take action.
“It [the incident] necessitates the Mhlontlo council to take disciplinary action against the councillor,” he said.
“The MEC can only act once the internal remedies have been exhausted ...
“However, the [alleged] conduct of the councillor is at variance with the Local Government Code of Conduct.
“At face value, the conduct is deplorable, but due procedures laid down by the law will have to be followed ...
“The matter has to be followed to the letter to teach other councillors to fear disrespecting government ... consequence management is what the MEC believes in, especially to the public representatives.”
UDM councillor Zakheni Nondaka had written to Williams.
“In terms of the code of conduct for councillors, councillors are expected to act with integrity, honesty and in the best interest of the council at all times, abide by all local government [laws] ... and all other laws that [govern] the republic,” he wrote.
Nondaka described Voko’s alleged actions as barbaric and demanded urgent action.
“As the UDM, we are disgusted by the actions and the behaviour of this councillor, it’s unfortunate that the ANC councillors in this municipality have got no regard [for the law], they act as if they are a law unto themselves.
“We are calling for your office to immediately intervene [and] take action against this councillor to restore order and dignity of government,” he said.
Mhlontlo Municipality spokesperson Mamela Mangcotywa confirmed that the municipality had opened a case.
“At about 11am [on October 10], councillor Voko and co stormed into the Tsolo Library boardroom where interviews were to be conducted and without saying a word rushed to the table where panel members were and took by force all the material to be used in conducting interviews.
“This material was inclusive of CVs for shortlisted candidates, master lists for all applicants, copies of advertisements for the post and score sheets,” Mangcotywa said.
“After having confiscated this material, he disconnected the laptop used to reproduce score sheets and said ‘umntu onengxaki makajikele ngaphambili’ [whoever has a problem must come forward].
“While doing this, the people accompanying him were standing by the door observing him.
“They then proceeded to the room where the candidates were and instructed them to leave the venue.”
She said the incident had also been reported to the office of speaker Eddie Pula.
Pula confirmed that he looked into the matter and had even updated council about it.
He said before the municipality opened a case, they should have followed a process which would involve him regarding Voko’s alleged conduct.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli confirmed a case had been opened.
He said after they concluded an investigation, the National Prosecuting Authority declined to prosecute.
Voko could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.
DispatchLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.