By Ursula Wasenaar
According to Democratic Alliance (DA) eThekwini mayoral candidate, Haniff Hoosen, poor management is the main contributing factor to allegations that people are paying for jobs in the metropolitan municipality.
Hoosen made the comments during a DA picket outside Durban City Hall following a media briefing by eThekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele on allegations that people were paying to secure positions within the Durban Metro Police.
During the briefing, Mbhele addressed the city’s investigation into allegations of irregular appointments within the Durban Metro Police.
Mbhele said concerns raised by political parties, as well as allegations circulating on social media, would be investigated and addressed.
He also dismissed claims that R20 million had been paid to bribe officials, saying the amount involved was R420 000. According to Mbhele, the money was allegedly paid to an unnamed individual.
Reacting to the briefing, Hoosen said he had asked the city management what action would be taken to prevent similar allegations, but claimed Mbhele could not provide an answer.
“When the question was put to the city manager today about what he is going to do to prevent this, he had no answer,” Hoosen said.
Sam Reddy, the DA candidate for Ward 36 in Durban North, said those found to have been involved in corruption should face consequences.
“There must be consequences for everything. Where there is a cause, there has to be an action against it, and people should be charged for their actions,” Reddy said.
He said employment opportunities should be allocated through transparent and accountable processes.
“The right to work must be done through proper procedures and accountability. If we already start paying for jobs, we are actually creating a new level of corruption,” he said.
Meanwhile, Durban Metro Police Commissioner Sibonelo Mchunu said officers found to have broken the law could face disciplinary action.
Mchunu said disciplinary measures could include dismissal, depending on the outcome of the relevant proceedings.
