The City of Johannesburg recently noted the Public Protector’s report confirming the allegations of mismanagement, maladministration and abuse of power at Pikitup.
This took place under the leadership of Amanda Nair who, from 2013, came under public scrutiny relating to allegations of tender irregularities, mismanagement and nepotistic hiring practices.
Herman Mashaba, Executive Mayor for the City of Johannesburg released a statement regarding the mismanagement.
The Public Protector’s report details the extent to which these matters were in the public domain due to the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) and the media’s work in exposing the wrongdoing.
“Despite the fact that these matters transpired under the previous administration, the multi-party government will be engaging the board of Pikitup on the findings and remedial action contained in the Public Protector’s report,” said Mashaba.
He said that what is evident from the report is that Nair was able to run Pikitup like a personal fiefdom. “The extent of the rot in Pikitup was pervasive and it was public knowledge at the time.”
“What remains unanswered in the Public Protector’s report is where was the previous mayor, councillor Parks Tau, or the MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services Department (EISD), Councillor Matshidiso Mfikoe in addressing the wrongdoing which was taking place?”
Mashaba wants to know why Nair and the previous board of Pikitup were allowed to act as a law unto themselves.
“I would like to express my deep appreciation and note the critical role played by Samwu in exposing the nepotistic hiring practices within Pikitup.
“We regret the extent to which the previous administration ignored their valid concerns and, as was the norm under the Tau administration, swept the allegations under the carpet to protect the connected few.”
He said the City of Johannesburg will be working with the board of Pikitup to ensure that those responsible for the reign of mismanagement that characterised Pikitup in the past are held to account.
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