The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) strongly objected to the R9,3 million in salaries that the Tshwane Metro paid between July and December 2024 to 43 suspended officials with pending disciplinary hearings.
The maximum length of a suspension, in terms of the Metro’s employment conditions, is three months with full pay, with the possibility of an extension by another three months if needed.
Presently, there are 51 officials on suspension and the three-month-suspension period with full pay has already lapsed for 41 of them.
The Freedom Front Plus enquired about the cause of the delay in the officials’ disciplinary hearings and when the matters are expected to be finalised.
According to a report tabled to the Council, an additional 109 complaints relating to fraud and corruption have been lodged against officials as well.
Retaining officials implicated in fraud and corruption in their positions could have significant consequences for the Metro and delay investigations.
In turn, delays in disciplinary action undermine sound management and accountability.
The Freedom Front Plus called on the Metro to prioritise and finalise disciplinary hearings to prevent further financial losses and ensure accountability.
It is unacceptable to drag disciplinary hearings out over months while taxpayers’ hard-earned money is squandered.
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