GEORGE NEWS - A jobseeker from Ward 21, Thembalethu, is at his wits' end after two failed job applications, of which one was allegedly successful at first. He wrote to George Speaker Sean Snyman about the matter, and asked George Herald to hear his case.
Innocent Zenzile said he was taken off a municipal project, the bulk sewer re-alignment for wards 21 and 9 in Thembalethu, for which he signed a contract. He alleges that his misfortune is caused by the influence of the ward councillor, whom he says "will try anything in his power to jeopardise opportunities".
"I am a DA voter, and not ANC, like the councillor," said Zenzile. He claims he started on 23 November as a community liaison officer for the bulk sewer project.
'It's all lies'
Ward Councillor Sphelo Manxele vehemently denies the allegations, saying it is all lies. "I would never do that to someone; it is not even in my power to stop his employment," said Manxele. "The problem is, Innocent did not want to follow the procedures. At first, he did not want to do the interview with the contractor and myself as ward councillor. He only decided to do that later. We had three candidates for the position. The contract Innocent signed is wrong, because the procedures were not followed."
Manxele said it is important for a ward councillor to remain impartial.
Territorial
George Herald learned from a reliable source that the challenges experienced with the project is not necessarily political of nature, but rather a matter of residents being territorial. Apparently hard feelings ensue when someone from Ward 9, for instance, land a job in Ward 21, and vice versa.
Due process
Snyman confirmed receipt of documentation (statements by Zenzile and the agenda of a project meeting attended by Zenzile), relating to the George Herald's enquiry.
"Every allegation against a public representative is subject to due process, following regulations outlined in the Local Government Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 and the Code of Conduct for Councillors," said Snyman. "If there are sufficient grounds, the necessary actions will be taken."
"The office of the speaker is committed to ensuring that public representatives are held accountable to the Code of Conduct, but must also emphasise that there will be no favour based on political affiliations - either against those that the allegations are lodged against or those making the allegations. All processes will be done fairly and based on facts and not conjecture."
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