Cllr Godwin Ratikwane
Chairperson of the Section 79 Municipal Public Accounts Committee and EFF Tshwane chief Whip photo supplied
By Cllr Godwin Ratikwane
Chairperson of the Section 79 Municipal
The Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) convened on Friday, where it was presented with a report indicating that at least 41 cases of alleged misconduct have been reported across various departments within the City of Tshwane.
The cases range from absenteeism, theft, bullying, fraud, and the unlawful discharge of firearms, among other serious allegations.
While this number may appear proportionally low in a municipality employing over 20,000 workers, the seriousness of some of these allegations cannot be overlooked.
Allegations involving criminal conduct and gross misconduct are deeply concerning and demand urgent attention.
Beyond reputational damage, these cases place significant strain on municipal processes and create unnecessary financial burdens at a time when the City’s primary focus should be on service delivery.
Equally concerning is the potential social impact.
Should these allegations be proven
and employees dismissed, more than 41 families could lose their source of income in an already difficult economic climate.
In a country facing high unemployment levels, the broader community impact of job losses cannot be ignored.
Furthermore, prolonged investigations and procedural delays expose the City to legal risks and possible litigation, which may result in additional financial implications for the municipality.
MPAC therefore urges the relevant departments to expedite investigations and finalize cases without undue delay, while ensuring that the rights of both employees and the employer are protected.
Justice must be swift, fair, and lawful.
It is also important to note that the 2024/2025 audit opinion emphasized the need for the City to implement consequence management against officials found guilty of misconduct within a reasonable timeframe.
Failure to do so undermines accountability and weakens governance
systems.
MPAC further stresses the financial impact of long suspensions and prolonged
disciplinary processes on the City’s resources.
Departments must prioritize the timely
conclusion of cases to safeguard public funds and restore public confidence.
Each case must be treated with urgency, fairness, and integrity to ensure
accountability while protecting the stability of the institution.
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