DA opens criminal cases over alleged ANC jobs-for-pals scheme in Tshwane - IOL

DA Tshwane mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink says the party has opened criminal cases after residents raised allegations of political interference in access to municipal job opportunities.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Tshwane has opened criminal cases following allegations that ANC councillors were reserving municipal job opportunities for political supporters and associates.

The cases were opened at the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mamelodi on Thursday, with DA Tshwane mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink submitting affidavits and evidence to police.

The DA said residents from several parts of Tshwane had raised allegations of political interference in access to jobs, including claims that employment opportunities were being used to secure political support.

The DA said residents had accused ANC councillors of reserving jobs for associates and party supporters, trading jobs for votes and rewarding people who campaigned for the ANC during elections.

“Corruption is not a victimless crime. Nowhere is that clearer than when politicians interfere with access to jobs,” Brink said.

He said residents should not have to belong to a political party or have political connections to access employment opportunities.

“Jobs cannot become political currency in the hands of councillors,” Brink said.

The DA said it had been joined by residents from Pretoria West, Soshanguve, Pretoria CBD, Mamelodi and Atteridgeville, who provided allegations for inclusion in affidavits submitted to SAPS.

The DA said residents of Ward 81 in the Pretoria CBD had marched over concerns about transparency and fair access to local development jobs. The party alleged that the brother of ANC ward councillor Mpho Lewele had been appointed as a community liaison officer on a project.

In Ward 60 in Pretoria West, ANC councillor Mpati Ramphile was accused by residents and an ANC branch secretary of excluding members of the community from opportunities and placing his own people in positions.

The DA also raised allegations involving Ward 27 in Soshanguve, where ANC councillor Bongani Masina was accused of extorting a local business for monthly payments linked to an Expanded Public Works Programme subcontract. The DA said an extortion case had already been opened with the police.

In Mamelodi, DA ward councillor candidate MaTshwane alleged she was denied a job because she was not a card-carrying ANC member.

The DA said it had also submitted affidavits containing similar allegations against ANC councillor Phumzile Mbokane in Ward 21 in Mabopane and ANC ward councillor Mmakgoko Phasha in Ward 71 in Atteridgeville.

The allegations have not been tested in court.

Brink said opening the criminal cases was only part of the DA's response to what it described as political interference in municipal opportunities.

He said a DA-led Tshwane administration would establish a dedicated anti-corruption unit to investigate corruption involving politicians, municipal officials, tenders and municipal job opportunities.

“We want evidence gathered. We want cases opened. We want those responsible prosecuted. Every resident of Tshwane deserves a fair opportunity to work. Jobs must be for residents - not for pals and cadres,” Brink said.

IOL has sought comment from the ANC in Tshwane on the allegations and will update the article if a response is received.