Community members must report all corruption-related activities happening in Vhembe, said the executive mayor, Cllr Tshitereke Matibe, during his recent address to the community at Thengwe Tribal Council.

Matibe was reacting to the allegations made by a community member that there was nepotism at play in the allocation of jobs in Mutale. Another community member also added that some councillors went as far as telling them that “you can go wherever you want, we will see if you will get water.” This, the person stated, happened after they tried to engage a councillor, so that they could get water in their area.

Some also said they had never seen their councillors since the last local government elections.

Matibe said it was totally wrong for a councillor or any government official to use corruption or nepotism in the allocation of jobs. He said job opportunities were made available for all citizens of Vhembe.

“As a local or district municipality, we do not discriminate against people when allocating jobs. If there is anyone who is practicing nepotism in the allocation of jobs, report such a person to our anti-fraud and corruption hotline number 080 066 8538 or fax number 080 020 0796,” said Matibe.

Matibe said all corrupt people were criminals, irrespective of who they were.  “Whether it is me or any other senior official in this district, these people must be reported and go to jail if found guilty.  Do not be afraid to use these numbers to report corruption as you do not need to identify yourself,” said Matibe.

“If a councillor refuses to work with you, report him or her to their mayors. All councillors, including me, are forced by law to come and consult with you, the community, for the sake of development in the community,” said Matibe.

Matibe said councillors who refused to work with the community were acting against their mandate and they tarnished the name of their government. “Don’t wait until it is too late before you report lazy councillors,” said Matibe.