Evaton residents in Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) seeking employment have been denied access to job opportunities in the construction of a pavement at the Levai Mbata Clinic due to nepotism, cronyism, and potential corruption linked to the appointed service provider, Lethole Trading. The Democratic Alliance (DA) demands that the Gauteng Department of Health MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, ensure urgent termination of this fishy tender, along with the action being taken against all individuals who unduly benefited from it.
The appointed subcontractor, Lethole Trading, is owned by Sipho Ncwadi, the ANC Branch Secretary in Emfuleni, who is also serving as the Community Liaison Officer (CLO) for the project. Some employees involved in the project have family ties or close relationships with ANC officials in Emfuleni. They include Bushy Masangane, who is the husband of the Emfuleni Speaker, and Katlheho Masangane, the Safety Officer (SO) and son of the Emfuleni Speaker. This project, which started on 4 December 2024, is ongoing.
This information was revealed by the Health MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, in a written reply to questions posed by the DA in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL).
See reply here.
This is a typical example of nepotism and cronyism, which the DA has consistently flagged as key contributors to the unmistakable decline of Emfuleni. Such unacceptable practices deny residents employment prospects and create a culture of entitlement among the politically powerful or connected.
Furthermore, this matter represents a conflict of interest that violates the Municipal Financial Management Act (MFMA). In addition, the involvement of individuals with close ties to ANC officials raises questions about possible undue political influence in staffing and contracting, casting doubt on the fairness, transparency, and integrity of this tender.
The DA will write to MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko demanding the immediate termination of this suspicious tender and action to be taken against those who unduly benefited from it. Emfuleni should not operate like a family business benefitting a politically aligned few. It is a municipality that must serve its ratepayers in an open, ethical, and dignified manner.
The DA-led Gauteng Provincial Government would have ensured that work and business opportunities are presented to all residents transparently and fairly, without favouring comrades and family members – some of whom lack necessary qualifications.
The DA will continue to expose nepotism and cadre appointments, while also ensuring equal employment opportunities for all residents of Gauteng.