Zero tolerance for City official’s gross misconduct

The eThekwini Ratepayers Protest Movement (ERPM) is outraged by the appalling level of negligence exhibited by Deputy City Manager for Trading Services, Sibusiso Makhanya. The recent revelations of his wilful inaction, which has resulted in a catastrophic financial loss for the municipality, are both shocking and unacceptable. ERPM is calling for immediate and severe action against this gross misconduct.

Makhanya’s blatant disregard for a series of critical emails sent between March 8 and April 8, including those from the City’s Chief Financial Officer, is inexcusable. These emails clearly instructed him to involve the legal and compliance unit in a lawsuit concerning a massive R63.5 million debt owed to Africa Utility Solution (AUS) for prepaid electricity meters. His failure to act is a severe breach of duty that has cost the municipality millions and jeopardized public trust.

ERPM has also received numerous complaints from residents regarding the failure of city officials to respond to emails in a timely manner. This pattern of negligence is deeply troubling and undermines the effectiveness of municipal services. Let this serve as a stern warning: any official who fails to respond to emails within a reasonable timeframe will be held accountable. Are we to understand that those on the waiting list of the pre-paid metering program will have to wait for an internal investigation to run its course before (getting) any feedback on when their meters will be installed?

ERPM has written to the electricity department to enquire around the waiting list and have not received an answer.

ERPM demands immediate and rigorous consequence management from the eThekwini Municipality. Specifically:

1. Immediate Accountability: Mr. Makhanya and any other officials guilty of similar negligence must face the full extent of disciplinary and legal consequences. Those found guilty must be fired without delay

2. Uncompromising Investigation: We insist on a thorough and transparent investigation into this disgraceful failure. The investigation must reveal all details of this negligence and ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.

3. Strict Governance Measures: The municipality must implement and enforce stringent governance protocols to prevent any recurrence of such gross incompetence. All senior officials must adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and accountability.

4. Mandatory Email Responses: City officials are required to respond to every email promptly and thoroughly. This basic requirement of communication must be enforced to prevent further breakdowns in municipal operations.

5. Reminders of Accountability: City officials must be reminded that they are public servants and will be held fully accountable for their actions. Their primary duty is to manage public resources with utmost responsibility and integrity.

The problem extends beyond just responding to emails. It is all too a common practice to respond to an enquiry by copying another official in and handing the case over. Often times, the official who has been copied is non-responsive resulting in a digital version of the all too familiar “customer care pillar to post treatment”.

ERPM will not rest until justice is served and the eThekwini Municipality is held to the highest standards of accountability. The gross misconduct revealed by this case demands immediate action and comprehensive reform to restore public confidence and protect the interests of the ratepayers.

ETHEKWINI RATEPAYERS PROTEST MOVEMENT (ERPM) | Durban

The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Independent Media.

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