Key Takeaways
- The Democratic Alliance (DA) has accused Mayor Nasiphi Moya of failing to take action against her deputy, Eugene Modise, despite a report finding him to be unethically benefitting from a company doing business with the municipality.
- A forensic investigation report found Modise to have violated the council’s code of conduct by benefitting from Triotic Protection Services, which has a multimillion-rand security contract with the municipality.
- The DA has opened a criminal case against Modise and is calling for his removal as deputy mayor and finance MMC.
- Mayor Moya has denied protecting Modise, stating that council processes are still unfolding and it would be premature to make any pronouncements until the ad-hoc committee established to consider the report has completed its work.
Introduction to the Controversy
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the City of Tshwane has sparked a controversy by accusing Mayor Nasiphi Moya of failing to take action against her deputy, Eugene Modise. The accusation stems from a report that found Modise to be unethically benefitting from a company doing business with the municipality. The report, which was commissioned by the municipality, found that Modise has violated the council’s code of conduct by benefitting from Triotic Protection Services, a company that has a multimillion-rand security contract with the municipality. This has led to widespread criticism and calls for Modise’s removal from his position as deputy mayor and finance MMC.
The DA’s Stance
The DA’s Tshwane caucus leader, Cilliers Brink, has been vocal in his criticism of Modise and Mayor Moya’s handling of the situation. Brink has stated that it is untenable for Modise to continue serving as deputy mayor and finance MMC, given the findings of the report. He has also accused Mayor Moya of protecting Modise, citing the fact that the ANC’s coalition partners have voted to protect him from being removed as a councillor. The DA has taken the matter a step further by opening a criminal case against Modise at the Brooklyn police station in Pretoria. This move is seen as a clear indication of the DA’s commitment to holding those in power accountable for their actions.
The Mayor’s Response
In response to the criticism, Mayor Moya’s office has denied that she is protecting Modise. The mayor’s office has stated that an ad-hoc committee has been established to consider the report and that it would be premature for her to make any pronouncements until that process is complete. According to Samkelo Mgobozi, the head of public affairs and media at the Tshwane mayor’s office, council has instituted a process pursuant to the System’s Act and has established an ad-hoc committee to apply its collective mind and recommend further steps. Mgobozi emphasized that it would be irregular and premature to make any pronouncements or take any steps until such time that council concludes its business in this regard. This response has been seen as an attempt to deflect criticism and shift the focus away from the mayor’s handling of the situation.
Implications and Next Steps
The controversy surrounding Modise and Mayor Moya has significant implications for the City of Tshwane and its residents. The fact that a high-ranking official has been found to be unethically benefitting from a company doing business with the municipality raises serious questions about the integrity of the city’s governance structures. The DA’s decision to open a criminal case against Modise is a clear indication that they are committed to holding those in power accountable for their actions. As the ad-hoc committee established by the council continues its work, it remains to be seen what further action will be taken against Modise and whether Mayor Moya will ultimately be held accountable for her handling of the situation. One thing is certain, however – the people of Tshwane deserve transparency and accountability from their leaders, and it is the responsibility of those in power to ensure that this is delivered.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Modise and Mayor Moya is a serious issue that has significant implications for the City of Tshwane and its residents. The fact that a high-ranking official has been found to be unethically benefitting from a company doing business with the municipality is a clear indication of the need for greater transparency and accountability in governance. The DA’s decision to open a criminal case against Modise and their calls for his removal as deputy mayor and finance MMC are a step in the right direction. However, it remains to be seen what further action will be taken and whether Mayor Moya will ultimately be held accountable for her handling of the situation. As the ad-hoc committee established by the council continues its work, the people of Tshwane will be watching closely to see what actions are taken to address this serious issue and ensure that those in power are held accountable for their actions.
