The Democratic Alliance (DA) is deeply concerned after having received troubling information that suggests Emfuleni mayoral bursaries appear to have been allocated through blatant favouritism and political patronage.
Instead of these bursaries being allocated to the disadvantaged members of the general public in Emfuleni, they have rather been unfairly awarded to associates, comrades and family members of local officials and politicians.
This undermines fair access to opportunities, shutting out deserving young people in favour of politically connected individuals.
The DA has subsequently raised questions in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to demand accountability and transparency, and will continue to pursue this matter through all available oversight mechanisms.
According to the municipality’s official response, 65 learners have been awarded bursaries over the last three financial years.
However, in their response, they declined to provide a list of recipients to clarify if any of the beneficiaries are related to officials or politicians in Emfuleni. The municipality further confirmed that it does not require applicants to disclose such relationships, and therefore cannot confirm or deny whether any beneficiaries are connected to municipal employees or councillors.
It now seems as if it is yet another underhanded attempt at secrecy to hide the corruption that is rife within this ANC-led municipality’s ranks.
The DA demands full transparency where bursary recipients are made public and shared openly and will continue to fight for equitable governance.