SAMWU FREE STATE STRONGLY OPPOSED THE IRREGULAR APPOINTMENT OF ELECTRICITY SERVICE PROVIDERS AT MOHOKARE AND KOPANONG LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES

TO ALL MEDIA HOUSES

For immediate release

27 August 2024

SAMWU FREE STATE STRONGLY OPPOSED THE IRREGULAR APPOINTMENT OF ELECTRICITY SERVICE PROVIDERS AT MOHOKARE AND KOPANONG LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES

The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) in the Free State province wishes to express the strongest opposition to the recent irregular appointment of electricity service providers in Mohokare and Kopanong Local Municipalities. The Union has noted with grave concern the appointment of Bvelela Engineering and Ledi la Africa PTY LTD as electricity service providers in these municipalities, without following the due process of the law. The decision to appoint these companies not only undermines the principles of transparency and fairness but also jeopardises the interests of our communities.

The appointment of these companies has been conducted in a manner that raises serious questions about due process and accountability. Our key issues of concern include a lack of transparency in the selection process, which did not include public consultation or an open bidding process. This raises doubts about the fairness and integrity of the appointment. The criteria applied are also questionable, as there appears to be insufficient clarity on the criteria used to evaluate and select the service providers. Without a transparent evaluation process, it is difficult to ensure that the chosen provider meets the necessary standards of quality and reliability.

There are also potential conflicts of interest, with indications that the appointments may have been influenced by personal or political connections rather than merit and qualifications. Such conflicts of interest could compromise the quality of services provided and erode public trust. This concern is further supported by suggestions that one of these companies has links to a sitting Minister in the Government of National Unity.

Furthermore, the impact on the community was not assessed. The community’s interests and needs must be at the forefront of any decision affecting essential services. The lack of community engagement in this process suggests a disregard for the voices and concerns of residents, as evidenced by recent unrest in Mohokare Local Municipality where communities protested against these decisions.

We call upon the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in the province to intervene against these acts of impunity and to direct Kopanong and Mohokare to halt the appointment of these service providers until a thorough review of the selection process can be conducted. This review should ensure the implementation of an open and transparent bidding process for the appointment of new service providers, including public consultation and clear criteria for evaluation. We further demand that the MEC investigate any potential conflicts of interest that may have influenced these decisions and take appropriate action to rectify the situation.

Additionally, the MEC must ensure that both municipalities actively involve the community in discussions about the appointment of service providers to ensure that decisions reflect the needs and preferences of the residents. We believe that a fair and transparent process is essential to maintaining the integrity of municipal operations and ensuring that the interests of the community are served. We call on all communities to be vigilant and to act against any malfeasance, corruption, and abuse of state power.

Issued by SAMWU Free State Province

Thabang Tseuoa,
Provincial Secretary
(082 620 9160)

or

Sandla Mahlati,
Deputy Provincial Secretary
(079 152 9648)