One-month deadline for Ngcobo municipal allegations report

Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane has directed urgent intervention in response to the ongoing protests and shutdown in Ngcobo, saying the concerns raised must be addressed while the rights of residents, learners, workers and businesses are protected.

In a statement issued on 13 August, the Premier said he met with the MECs for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and Community Safety, the executive mayors of Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality and Chris Hani District Municipality, as well as SAPS provincial leadership.

The meeting considered concerns raised by protesters, including unhappiness regarding the Municipal Manager of Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality.

According to the statement, some of the issues relate to ongoing consequence-management matters between the municipality and certain municipal employees.

Mabuyane directed the MEC for CoGTA to establish the facts surrounding allegations against the Municipal Manager, engage affected workers and ensure that matters are dealt with through appropriate governance and labour processes.

A report on the allegations must be made available within one calendar month.

The Premier also directed that investigation reports relating to alleged wrongdoing within Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality be released publicly, subject to legal requirements.

“Where allegations are made, they must be properly investigated and the facts established,” Mabuyane said, adding that consequence management is “non-negotiable” where wrongdoing is established.

While reaffirming the constitutional right to peaceful protest, Mabuyane said it cannot extend to preventing children from attending school, stopping people from going to work or forcing businesses to close.

He further directed the MEC for Community Safety, SAPS and other authorities to prevent further disruptions to schooling and lawful business activity in Ngcobo.

The provincial government said it will continue working with Chris Hani District Municipality and Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality to address the concerns and restore normality in the town.