The municipal manager of the Modimolle-Mookgopong Local Municipality (Nylstroom, Naboomspruit, Vaalwater), Dr Melusi Shepherd Mhlanga, was bombarded with questions by the commissioners of the Human Rights Commission (HRC) in Limpopo during a hearing that was held on 26 and 27 November 2020 to discuss the FF Plus's complaint about pollution.
The HRC hearing stems from a complaint that the FF Plus lodged against the Municipality more than a year ago for the gross violation of human and environmental rights because sewage is continuously dumped in the Nylsvley biosphere.
Under pressure from all the questions, the municipal manager eventually conceded that the Municipality has failed the communities of Modimolle and Mookgopong.
The Municipality and municipal manager are facing serious consequences because of the two court orders concerning the matter that the Municipality ignored. Applications for contempt of these two court orders will be filed by the relevant applicants in these cases within 14 days.
The chairperson of the hearing and provincial manager of the HRC in Limpopo, Mr Victor Mavhidula, said that corruption has had a detrimental effect on the community and that it is clear that the Municipality has lost control.
The findings of the hearing are expected to be announced in the first quarter of 2021.
The FF Plus will continue to monitor the situation at the Municipality and will not hesitate to protect communities’ rights at all costs.
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