Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English by Rebaona Rampe
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Moses Kotane Local Municipality notes with concern recent reports regarding the arrest of the recently appointed Local Economic Development (LED) Director, Nono Maribe.
Reports indicate a major Hawks crackdown on a R113 million tender scandal involving school repairs within the Mpumalanga Department of Education, with over 40 suspects implicated.
The municipality has since confirmed, through its Communications Unit, that the individual arrested is indeed its current LED Director. It is further alleged that she was aware of charges stemming from her previous employment in Mpumalanga, where she was charged in 2022.
Recycling individuals facing serious corruption allegations is not governance — it is a direct insult to residents of Moses Kotane who suffer daily due to poor service delivery and limited economic opportunities. It is deeply concerning that the LED department, which should drive growth and support local businesses, is now overshadowed by allegations of organised corruption.
The DA has initiated formal communication and sent written emails to the Executive Mayor, the Municipal Manager, and the MMC for LED, raising the following urgent questions:
- How did this official pass a background check?
- Was lifestyle audit or a “fit and proper” assessment conducted during the recruitment process?
- Did the same official disclose these charges to the Municipal Manager and the selection panel?
- How can residents trust an official implicated in the alleged mismanagement of R113 million to oversee local economic development budget and SMME support programms?
The Municipal Manager must table a full report in the next Council sitting detailing every project the Director has overseen since their appointment.
Through the MPLs, the DA will formally request the vetting reports of all Directors within the Moses Kotane Local Municipality.
The people of Moses Kotane deserve ethical leadership and clean governance. The DA will not rest until accountability is enforced.