South African city under siege

The Mangaung Metro, better known as Bloemfontein, is under siege amid a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) investigation and opposition to the city’s sale of assets.

President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the SIU to investigate Mangaung, which focuses on numerous governance issues in the metro.

The SIU will look into the establishment and operationalisation of the Mangaung Metro Police, as well as overpayments made to suppliers.

It will also investigate the procurement of branding, marketing, catering, and corporate gift contracts, as well as the structural assessment of municipal buildings.

Other things under the spotlight include upgrading the Municipal Police offices and procuring vehicles and a fire truck.

The Integrated Public Transport Network (IPTN) trunk route contracts and unlawful conduct by municipal officials and employees are also under the microscope.

Werner Pretorius, a member of the Free State Provincial Legislature, said that this was an important step towards restoring accountability in the municipality.

“Serious allegations of wrongdoing within Mangaung warrant an independent investigation with the necessary legal powers to uncover the truth,” he said.

He added that the SIU should also work towards recovering public funds, where possible, and hold those responsible accountable.

“The SIU investigation must only be the beginning. Investigations alone do not restore public trust. Residents expect consequences,” he said.

Those responsible for corruption, maladministration, and the misuse of public money must face consequences.

These consequences should include disciplinary action, civil recovery proceedings where appropriate, and criminal prosecution where evidence supports it.

“Every rand lost to corruption is taken away from fixing potholes, repairing water infrastructure, maintaining electricity networks, and collecting,” he said.

“Clean governance is not optional. It is essential for restoring public confidence and delivering the services that residents deserve.”

Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality selling assets

This week, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) condemned the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality’s plan regarding some of its assets.

This relates to the proposed disposal and long-term leasing of municipal land and public assets.

The Municipality published an official Public Notice listing fourteen properties for alienation, disposal, or long-term leasing.

This notice includes high-value and historically significant assets, among them Naval Hill, described as a conservation property and/or amusement park.

Other listed properties include strategic development nodes, industrial land, the Waaihoek Precinct, and the Old Centlec Power Station.

However, after this process was exposed, the Municipality issued a Public Statement claiming that “Naval Hill is not for sale”.

Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality added that it was not engaged in the sale of municipal assets.

“This is a clear attempt to cover up the process it had already initiated, which is pure deception,” the EFF said in a press statement.

“The EFF rejects this fraudulent behaviour. Public land and strategic municipal assets belong to the people of Mangaung.”

“They are not commodities to be packaged and handed over to private interests under the guise of investment.”

It added that Naval Hill is an iconic public landmark, and its inclusion in a disposal process reveals contempt for the public and an attempt to mislead residents.