Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Jose Coetzee and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr David Masoeu MPL.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Setsoto has submitted formal questions to Council and will pursue full oversight to uncover the truth regarding allegations surrounding several appointments made under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in Clocolan, in respect of which the DA had no prior knowledge of, nor any input into, the process followed.
It is deeply concerning that indications have emerged suggesting certain other political parties may have been involved in, or had prior knowledge of, the appointment process, raising serious questions about transparency, fairness, and whether equal opportunity was afforded to all qualifying members of the community.
The DA has received multiple complaints alleging that the appointments may have been conducted in a manner that primarily benefited individuals aligned to specific political parties that allegedly formed part of the process. If true, such conduct would undermine the principles of fairness, administrative justice, and the integrity required in public appointment processes.
Of further concern are allegations that the EPWP process may have been used, directly or indirectly, as a political campaigning mechanism for those parties allegedly involved. Public employment programmes cannot and should not be used for political gain or as a tool for patronage.
In light of these serious concerns, the DA has submitted formal questions to Council seeking clarity on, among other things:
- How the appointments were advertised and communicated to the public;
- What recruitment and selection process was followed?
- Which officials and/or political role players were involved in the process?
- Why the DA, and seemingly other political parties, were excluded from any oversight or participation; and
- Whether the process complied with principles of fairness, transparency, and equal access.
The DA believes every qualifying resident should have an equal and fair opportunity to benefit from public programmes such as EPWP, free from political interference or favouritism.
We will continue to pursue accountability on this matter and insist that any irregularities, if established, be fully investigated and addressed. The public deserves transparency, and no public programme should be manipulated for narrow political interests.