The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), along with other concerned groups, have accused the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM) of nepotism in the appointment of 141 general workers. The mayor is also accused of directly interfering in the selection process.

The workers, who assumed their duties on 1 November, were selected from among volunteers and expanded public works programme (EPWP) participants from municipalities across the district, including Thulamela, Makhado, Musina, and Collins Chabane.

“We are alarmed by the executive mayor’s blatant abuse of power and disregard for local-government legislation by including her office secretary and her chief of staff in the shortlisting and interview process. The mayor has overstepped her boundaries, violating the code of conduct for councillors by interfering in administrative matters,” said Shadrack Hlongwane of the EFF’s regional interim leadership core (RILC).

Hlongwane claimed that ANC members and their family members had been prioritised in the hiring process. He further accused Mayor Freda Nkondo of manipulating the recruitment to favour six people from Malamulele, her hometown, and four people from her village. He also alleged that three officials from her office had pushed for the appointment of their wives.

According to Hlongwane, it was inappropriate for the mayor’s chief of staff or secretary to serve on the selection panel, because of their status as contracted political appointees, which creates an inherent conflict of interest.

The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) in the Vhembe District also criticised the processes followed in appointing the workers. In a statement, SAMWU calls for action to be taken against the mayor’s chief of staff.

On Monday, a function was held in the VDM’s council chamber to welcome the newly appointed workers. Mayor Nkondo, accompanied by the municipal manager, Zwannda Kutama, and the Speaker, Tshotheli Davhana, encouraged the mostly young workers to carry out their duties diligently.

Nkondo noted that the majority of the new employees were young people from across the district, bringing diverse skills and capabilities.

The VDM spokesperson, Matodzi Ralushai, issued a statement responding to the allegations of nepotism and corruption, particularly on social media, saying the municipality had taken note of the concerns. He said that the VDM, through its accounting officer, the municipal manager, had launched an internal investigation.

Ralushai added that a report would be made available once the investigation was complete.