GOOD Statement by Jonathan Cupido ,
GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor & Caucus Whip
The GOOD Party is calling for a full, independent, and transparent investigation into alleged interference by municipal councillors in the administrative processes of the City of Cape Town. A recent internal newsletter from City Manager, Lungelo Mbandazayo sounded the alarm over growing concerns regarding councillor interference in supply chain management and project implementation. The City Manager’s warning underscores the severity and apparent frequency of this troubling conduct.
According to Mbandazayo, these issues have been raised in closed Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) meetings. MPAC has noted that some councillors have been making improper “requests for changes to the City’s planned administrative activity(s) that, in terms of the law, is not in the ambit or scope of the functions and practices of a councillor.” These allegations once again underscore GOOD’s longstanding call for MPAC meetings to be opened to the public, just as the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) operates at a national level. Transparency is not optional in a functioning democracy; it is essential.
These are not merely administrative oversights, they point to a deepening culture of political intimidation and corruption that must be confronted with urgency and resolve.
In a recent Solid Waste Portfolio meeting, an official openly stated that some councillors are interfering with the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) randomisation process, attempting to dictate the names of individuals from the community who should benefit. Actions that clearly contravene the ethical and legal obligations of public office.
As GOOD we have written to the office of the Speaker and requested:
- An immediate and independent investigation into all allegations of councillor interference in the City’s administrative and procurement processes.
- The identification of those councillors who have acted unlawfully or unethically.
- That, upon conclusion of such an investigation, those found guilty be charged and subjected to the full force of the law.
- That City officials be protected from threats, intimidation, and undue political pressure, and be empowered to report such misconduct without fear of reprisal.
GOOD believes no councillor is above the law. Public office is a position of service, not self-interest. If we are to protect the integrity of our governance, we must ensure that corruption is rooted out.
Media Enquiries:media@forgood.org.za