THOHOYANDOU - The Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) has welcomed the suspension of the former mayor for Thohoyandou TLC, now known as Thulamela Municipality, his deputy and the expulsion of a council member.

Mr George Phadagi, a former regional chairperson of the ANC and now an ANC member in the national parliament in Cape Town, was suspended from the party by the regional office. Rev Oriel Malindi, Chief Whip of the present Thulamela Municipality, was also suspended, while Cllr VR Tshikovhi was expelled with immediate effect.

The trio were suspended after their failure to appear before a disciplinary committee on January 20, to answer to various charges. It was revealed that Phadagi and the other two were summoned before the DC for allegedly forming non-existing branches, "so that they could get positions".

The PAC deputy secretary in the province, Nicholas Dangale applauded the regional ANC office for taking this step, which he says, is the right direction. Dangale said the PAC has always steadfastly opposed corruption within that municipality, particularly allegations leveled against Phadagi, when he was mayor of the Greater Thohoyandou Municipality.

"A thorough investigation to prove other allegations and anomalies within the local government structures would be prudent to ensure transparency and accountability. Allegations that the ANC appointed staff along party political affiliations and nepotism should be investigated to rid the municipality of allegations of corruption," said Dangale.

Dangale said there were many things wrong during the time of Phadagi and he said he hoped that an investigation team would be put in place to expose all the wrongdoing.