MAKHADO - The official opposition party in Makhado, the DA, are presently requesting the mayor to investigate the municipal speaker, Cllr Joan Hoorzuk, whom they described as “more destructive than a tsunami” on possible allegations of corruption and misuse of power.

According to Cllr Marie Helm, the DA is grateful to the Vhembe District Municipality for allocating a R2 million towards a water scheme project in her ward at Buysdorp, but would like to express deep concern with allegations that the speaker seems to be a very close and good friend of the contractor of the water scheme project at Buysdorp.

Helm, who claims that, as ward councillor, she was deliberately excluded from any activities of the project, alleges that even the existing legal structure is not being acknowledged. "The possible allegations of corruption and misuse of power surfaced during this week. The DA wonders what Hoorzuk will gain from this project and why she tries so hard to exclude all the legitimate structures?

"This is not the first time Hoorzuk has been implicated in what seems to be irregular and unlawful activities. Her active involvement in the closure of the only HIV/Aids clinic in Eltivillas last year is still well known. The speaker's misuse of power, destruction of community structures and systems seems to be her trademark. Maybe it is time for the municipality to take stock of her contribution,” she said.

On Tuesday, January 25, Helm sent a letter to the mayor of the Makhado Municipality, requesting an urgent intervention regarding the Buysdorp water project.