Labour Court Ruling Against Rooiwal Five

ActionSA welcomes a ruling by the Labour Court which struck down an attempt by Tshwane municipal officials, implicated by investigations into the Rooiwal tender award to Edwin Sodi, to halt disciplinary proceedings against them.

This decision marks a victory for the City of Tshwane and its residents, as well as Dr. Nasiphi Moya, who has launched an all-out assault against rot and malfeasance since coming into office. The awarding of the Rooiwal tender, under a DA-led administration, not only set back the efforts to resolve the Hammanskraal water crisis by years, but also contributed to the deaths of 47 people following a cholera outbreak in 2023. This court victory is a step towards ensuring justice for those who tragically lost their lives, as well as their families. 

Importantly, under Mayor Moya, this administration has taken the steps to ensure those implicated in this matter are not allowed near the levers of power again. In January, the City formally submitted a formal blacklisting request to the National Treasury against Edwin Sodi’s companies (including Blackhead Consulting and NJR Projects). These companies have also been barred from doing business with the City.

The City of Tshwane under Dr. Nasiphi has seen a rapid shift towards a culture of accountability. In just her first year in office, Dr. Moya had already initiated investigations into over R14 billion worth of fruitless, wasteful, and irregular expenditure. She also launched a campaign to clean out departments in the metro, with countless officials being removed from office after being found guilty of improper conduct. When the mayor’s very own MMC of Corporate and Shared Services was flagged at the Madlaga commission, she was removed from her position within a week.

This mayor promised transparency and accountability, and that promise has been kept ruthlessly, without fear or favour.

In another sign that highlights the quality of leadership at the helm, the City of Tshwane has secured its July Treasury grant, whilst 69 other municipalities have had their grants frozen due to non-compliance. This speaks to the culture of transparency in place in the Jacaranda City.

Residents have seen this mayor’s record, now the power lies with them to give her a further mandate in November. If residents wants to continue the war against corruption and crooked officials, then they must give Mayor Moya five more years to finish the job she’s started.

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