(Photo: Stellenbosch municipality/Facebook)
The FF Plus referred the Stellenbosch local municipality to the special investigation unit (SUE) regarding alleged illegal approval for the letting of municipal properties.
According to JC MacFarlane, FF Plus councilor in Stellenbosch, the move was made despite a provincial investigation by the Western Cape government. He says that only an independent SOE investigation can restore sufficient confidence among residents.
The treasury already found in writing last year that the municipality’s approach to property rentals violates the Municipal Financial Management Act and applicable asset transfer rules.
This finding, according to the FF Plus, exposed a broader pattern of alleged irregular approvals at at least 12 municipal properties.
The FF Plus has reported the Stellenbosch municipality to the special investigation unit (SOE) about the rentals and says only an independent investigation will restore residents’ trust. (Photo: U-turn/Facebook)
A specific provision apparently empowered the executive mayor of Stellenbosch and mayoral committee for four years to grant more than 12 approvals for leasing without competitive tender processes or proper public participation.
Examples of the rentals in question include contracts with organizations such as the U-turn shelter for the homeless, the L’Abrie de Dieu safety house and Stellenbosch animal welfare, as well as other properties that the party claims were rented out without council approval or competition.
However, MacFarlane says that these organizations should not be disadvantaged because of the municipality’s possible failure to comply with legislation.
“An independent SOE investigation will establish whether there were any improprieties. If nothing is wrong, it will exonerate all those involved. If so, the public has a right to know,” he says.
The FF Plus also calls on the municipal manager and executive mayor to give their full cooperation during the investigation and says the party will monitor the matter closely.