‘Dodgy’ ex-manager shortlisted for city boss, despite R1.9bn graft cloud – The Citizen

The Municipality of Mogale City in Gauteng has raised eyebrows after the selection and interview committee shortlisted a former chief executive who would have been responsible for the council’s R1.9 billion megaprojects fiasco, for the post of city ​​manager. Executive Mayor Tyrone Gray has confirmed that the former executive director of the municipality’s economic development services, Makhosana Msezana, is among three candidates recommended for the position of city manager. He confirmed that Andile Dyakala, who was suspended by the local municipality of Emfuleni just days after reporting allegations of corruption linked to a 57 million rand contract, as well as Khoahli…

The Municipality of Mogale City in Gauteng has raised eyebrows after the selection and interview committee shortlisted a former chief executive who would have been responsible for the council’s R1.9 billion megaprojects fiasco, for the post of city ​​manager.

Executive Mayor Tyrone Gray has confirmed that the former executive director of the municipality’s economic development services, Makhosana Msezana, is among three candidates recommended for the position of city manager.

He confirmed that Andile Dyakala, who was suspended by the local municipality of Emfuleni just days after speaking out on allegations of corruption linked to a 57 million rand contract, as well as Khoahli Moeketsi Ernest, were also shortlisted.

“That is correct, however, the report was tabled in committee and has not yet been made public,” he said.

Doubtful background

Inside sources who spoke to The citizen on condition of anonymity say that as Division Manager, Msezana was directly responsible for the execution of the municipality’s two mega construction projects of the incomplete Krugersdorp CBD Taxi Rank and Brickvalley housing project.

When the municipality’s internal audit unit ordered an internal verification audit of the two projects, Msezana allegedly withheld key information and documents from the auditors.

“He refused to co-operate with the audit verification process, hence the report alludes to scope limitations and recommended full forensic investigation. So in a nutshell, [Msezana] deliberately withheld the information to derail the process,” said the official who asked not to be named.

The citizen previously revealed how mega-projects were blighted by poor planning, implementation and monitoring, which resulted in cost overruns for Krugersdorp CBD taxi rank from R47.7m to R98.5m rands.

The audit, conducted by forensic investigation firm Comperio, found there was no evidence that bids were solicited and evaluated to select the prime contractor for the two projects, or that the contractor had the expertise or resources needed to complete the project on time and on budget. .

According to the audit report dated March 2020, R159 million had been spent on the housing project although only 60% had been completed, with no evidence that invoices were reviewed prior to payment or supporting documents.

Auditors recommend full forensic investigation

Due to the limited scope of the audit due to lack of information, the auditors recommended that a full forensic investigation be carried out on the municipality’s two megaprojects.

Another source close to the audit said Msezana’s fixed-term contract expired in September 2019 and was offered an extension but declined.

“He didn’t want an extension because of the pending audit report. He avoided investigations because if he had stayed, he would have been charged and arrested. Now there are behind-the-scenes moves to bring him back as city manager by those who want to access project funds,” the source said.

He said it was expected that the provincial government would release more funds for the completion of the housing project and that Msezana, who has not yet responded to requests for comment, was able to allow access to these. funds.