A member of the mayoral committee (MMC) is under investigation for, among other things, having a personal make-over and ordering Valentine’s Day and birthday gifts for herself at the expense of City Parks.
Matshidiso Mfikoe, now MMC for health in the City of Joburg, was previously responsible for corporate services and environment and, as such, was the political head of City Parks.
A formal complaint and a full report detailing the complaints against her has been lodged with the council speaker’s office by DA councillor John Mendelsohn.
He has refused to comment on the matter, saying it is under investigation.
However, the Gauteng DA has released a copy of the complaints.
Among the complaints are that employees at senior management level were made to buy gifts for her from the time she celebrated her son’s birthday in 2009.
Management was told that she gets angry if she does not receive gifts.
She allegedly received a Valentine’s Day gift paid for out of the budget of the City Parks’ marketing department.
It is also claimed that she had a make-over at the department’s expense in time for a greening concert held by City Parks.
She allegedly demanded 100 free tickets to the concert for her family and friends, even though staff pointed out that the function was for charity.
In September 2010 Mfikoe had a birthday party at the Botanical Gardens and was given gifts allegedly bought and paid for by City Parks’ marketing department.
In May last year, at her farewell function, invited staff were ordered to take her a gift. This was made compulsory.
Other allegations are that her brother and other relatives have been hired by the department but are not qualified.
The report states there is concern and panic among staff members about these irregularities, which are “causing them to stress because they have to implement them against their will in the form of an instruction”.
Janet Sempel, leader of the Gauteng DA, said this type of suspected corrupt spending for personal gratification must be rooted out.
“Corruption of any kind deprives the province and country of money which could be better spent elsewhere,” she said.
The council said it had noted the allegations against Mfikoe.
Spokesman Gabu Tugwana said: “A formal complaint was lodged with the speaker’s office by John Mendelsohn of the DA.
“The matter is receiving urgent attention in line with the provisions of the code of conduct for councillors as stipulated in the Municipal Systems Act.
“The complainant has been informed accordingly in this regard.”
The council said it took a serious view and approach to wrongdoing by any official or politician.
It has a toll-free anti-fraud hotline – 0800 002 587 and SMS lines 32792, 32694), where people can report suspected wrongdoing.
Complainants’ identity is always protected. There is also a department – the Joburg Risk and Audit Services – specifically assigned to assess, mitigate and act against any risks to the council. - The Star