MAKHADO (LOUIS TRICHARDT) - The acting Municipal Manager of the Makhado Municipality, Ms Faith Muthambi, confirmed this week that a second senior Council official was suspended following the findings of the Ad Hoc Committee.

The Ad Hoc Committee was appointed by Mayor Rhulani Nkuzana as part of his 100 days programme to investigate allegations of nepotism and corruption within Council. The investigation already led to the suspension and subsequent resignation of Council’s Municipal Manager, Mr Reuben Rambado in October this year.

The latest turn of events saw the suspension of Council’s Director of Human Resources, Mr Wilson Nkuna. This was confirmed by Ms Muthambi. She added that, similar to the charges against Rambado, the charges against Nkuna also relate to allegations of nepotism and corruption. Nkuna was suspended with full pay on November 19.

When asked to comment on rumours that several other senior officials and directors also face possible suspension, Ms Muthambi refused to comment. She said that she could not comment or speculate on the possibility at this stage. During the announcement of Rambado’s suspension in July this year during a media briefing, Mayor Nkuzana stated, however, that the investigation could see several heads rolling.

Ms Muthambi also reacted to accusations that Council, which is still in the grip of a financial crisis, is spending ludicrously large amounts of money on legal battles such as in the case of Rambado. She said that Council has a budget which caters for legal battles like these.

“This has to be done. What we want is stability at this institution and our focus must be on service delivery. We must have a clean and accountable institution,” Ms Muthambi said.