Move to Keep ‘Sodi’s Blessers’ Suspended Welcomed

Dear Editor

The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the decision by the City of Tshwane to go to court to keep the Rooiwal Five suspended. This case has major implications for the future of the capital city.

Two weeks ago, the DA broke the news that these officials were heading back to work after obtaining a bargaining council decision in their favour.

We asked the city administration to take this decision, on review in the Labour Court, which they are now doing.

These officials were involved in awarding an irregular tender to a consortium with links to Edwin Sodi. They include the city’s decade long head of supply chain management.

They were suspended last year pending a Labour Court application to have them dismissed. In taking this action, city manager Johann Mettler had my full backing.

Until the Labour Court had decided whether in fact their conduct justifies dismissal, the Rooiwal Five should not be at work.

Only sustained, resolute action will break the culture of corruption in Tshwane, and end the misspending of public money.

In the meantime, the EFF have launched an extraordinary public attack on Mettler, falsely accusing him of leaking confidential information to me.

Thanks to ActionSA, the party that holds the mayorship in Tshwane, the EFF holds the balance of power in the Tshwane coalition.

As we have done in Joburg, the DA in Tshwane will be keeping a close watch of what the ANC, EFF and ActionSA does next.

Regards

Ald Cilliers Brink
DA Tshwane Caucus Leader