Pretoria – North West Premier Thandi Modise has appealed to the communities of Swartruggens and Koster to give the provincial government time to investigate the allegations of maladministration, nepotism and corruption which have been made against the Kgetleng Rivier Local Municipality.
Modise said the seriousness of the allegations warranted an in-depth probe.
“We therefore call on you to remain calm and exercise restraint and not engage in violent action and destruction of properties,” said the premier.
On Friday, Modise addressed residents of Koster who had gathered at the municipal offices.
She said the provincial government would not be intimidated and that it was their constitutional responsibility to ensure the municipality was clean, effective, responsive, accountable and met the basic service needs of communities.
Residents have claimed that the annual Skierlik commemoration has not been benefitting the victims and families of the tragic incident, that there have been irregular appointments and the suspension of officials who are opposed to nepotism and corruption and that councillors who sit on tender bid committees are involved in supply chain and procurement process.
Modise said where rules and regulations were found to have been flouted, the matter would be referred to the police for action to be taken. – SAnews.gov.za
