GEORGE NEWS - The ongoing saga surrounding the transfer of the Garden Route District Municipality's (GRDM) Roads Department to the Western Cape Government has taken another twist, and the FF Plus called for an independent investigation into the process.
The latest move follows George Herald's recent report that the South African Municipal Workers' Union (Samwu) formally objected to the proposed transfer of Roads Department employees, arguing that meaningful consultation had not yet taken place.
While the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure insists that no final decisions have been made and that consultations are yet to take place, the FF Plus believes there are bigger questions that need answers.
Independent investigation
In a letter to the Public Protector and the Auditor-General, FF Plus councillor Danie Acker asks for an independent investigation into what he believes was improper interference by the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure in the affairs of the GRDM.
Among the concerns raised are the financial impact of the Roads Agency function coming to an end, almost R3m allegedly spent on disciplinary processes that ultimately found no wrongdoing, and the municipality's possible exposure to losses of about R40m.
Councillor Danie Acker
Acker also points to an independent investigation* by Musetsho Law Inc, commissioned by the GRDM, which cleared the suspended municipal officials but was critical of aspects of the Department of Infrastructure's handling of the matter.
He says these findings deserve a thorough, independent investigation to determine whether public money was spent responsibly and whether anyone should be held accountable.
The FF Plus is therefore asking the Public Protector and Auditor-General to investigate - not because the report found corruption by GRDM officials, but because it raises questions about how the Department of Infrastructure had handled the Roads Agency, the inspections, the disciplinary processes, and ultimately the decision to end the Roads Agency arrangement.
Agenda item at GRDM
As the debate over the roads transfer continues, the GRDM's own special council agenda of 3 July cautions that if the process is not handled in line with labour legislation and the agreed transfer framework, it could result in legal disputes, financial liabilities and operational challenges.
Service delivery
For residents, however, the biggest question remains a simple one: Will the roads still be maintained without interruption?
George Herald has received reports that road maintenance work has slowed in some areas due to labour and logistical challenges linked to the transition.
Although these reports could not be independently verified, they voice a concern that the longer the uncertainty continues, the greater the risk that service delivery could start feeling the strain.
For its part, the Department of Infrastructure has repeatedly said one of the main goals of the Provincial Roads Delivery Model is to ensure that road services continue without interruption while giving affected employees certainty about their future.
Formal consultations with recognised trade unions are expected to take place later this month.
Minister Tertuis Simmers
Reply from Province
Asked to respond to the recent statements, Simmers said the new provincial road delivery model was specifically developed to strengthen financial management and oversight, improve service delivery, and ensure the long-term sustainability of road infrastructure in the Western Cape.
"Any claims suggesting otherwise ignore both the facts and the statutory processes currently being followed in terms of Section 197 of the Labour Relations Act to protect employees' rights and ensure an orderly transition.
"We remain committed to good governance, accountable management of public funds, and the continued delivery of the best provincial road network in South Africa."
- The Musetsho Law Inc investigation was commissioned by the GRDM. It was an independent investigation into allegations against suspended municipal officials and the administration of the Roads Agency function. The confidential report concludes that the Roads Agency had administrative and accounting weaknesses that needed fixing, but found no evidence that municipal officials committed fraud or financial misconduct, while also criticising the Department of Infrastructure's oversight and handling of the process.
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