Statement: George investigation update

The first phase of the Provincial Department of Local Government’s investigation into allegations relating to maladministration, fraud and corruption at George Municipality has been completed.

Anton Bredell, the Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning tasked the department of Local Government in the province to conduct the investigation in September 2019.

“I had reason to believe that maladministration, fraud and corruption had occurred in George Municipality and accordingly I designated investigators to investigate various allegations. This step was taken in terms of Section 106 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 32 of 2000, read with section 7 of the Western Cape Monitoring and Support of Municipalities Act, 4 of 2014,” says Bredell.

The investigators have now completed the first phase of their investigation which relates to the “War-on-Waste Project”. A comprehensive Report containing findings and recommendations was made available to the Municipality this morning - Thursday, 16 January 2020 - for consideration and appropriate action against implicated persons, which includes senior officials.

“I have requested the Speaker of George Municipal Council to provide a copy of the report to Council, which in turn will be required to provide me with formal feedback on the intended actions of the Municipality pertaining to the findings of the report by early February 2020,” says Bredell.

“The Western Cape Government prides itself on taking strong action against any allegations of corruption and acting on wrongdoing without fear or favour. We will see this through to the end and we hope to have the matter concluded as soon as possible.”

ENDS.