Today, ActionSA will write to the Speaker of Council in Ekurhuleni, Alderman Patricia Kumalo, demanding reasons why Council’s Ethics Committee did not investigate claims against Mayor Mzwandile Masina’s alleged drunken joy ride in a ‘Blue Light’ VIP vehicle he was not authorised to drive.
Masina was allegedly involved in a high-speed vehicle accident with a truck transporting goods. The accident took place last August – outside of curfew hours – at the height of stringent lockdown restrictions. The truck driver also alleges that Masina appeared drunk at the site of the accident.
Over a year has passed and it appears that all mention of the incident has been covered up to hide Masina’s alleged gross misconduct.
According to an investigation into the matter made by amaBhungane, metro police allowed Masina to escape the scene of the incident whilst the crash was still under investigation; no doubt in a bid to shield Masina from accountability.
Whilst the matter was reported, it has been over 13 months since the incident with no further investigation from policing authorities nor any mention of the matter from the Council.
Indeed, in amaBhungane’s investigation into the matter, several questions remain unanswered, including:
The Speaker, as the custodian of the ethics within the Council, ought to have instituted an inquiry into the matter through the Council’s Ethics Committee. The Speaker must provide reasons for her failure to attend to the allegations.
If such an inquiry was indeed held, where is the report and what accountability has Masina faced?
In the interest of the community, the Speaker cannot afford to hide away from the matter. Public representatives must exemplify our communities’ highest values.
The allegations Masina are a violation of the conduct, trust and integrity expected of public representatives in our communities. They are certainly a violation of the conduct expected of the Mayor of Ekurhuleni. If proven true, Masina’s alleged undermines the rule of law and the office he swore to uphold.
Corruption has been the order of the day in the City and we cannot fold our arms while officials continue with acts of corruption when our residents are subjected to poor living conditions.
If Masina had any sense of decency, he would resign in shame. The people of Ekurhuleni deserve better than politicians who seek to break the law.
As ActionSA we are determined to ensure that the people of Ekurhuleni have a viable alternative as they head to the polls.
We remain confident that the residents of Ekurhuleni are Gatvol! of ANC corruption. The coming Local Government Elections will present the people of Ekurhuleni with a true ethical and competent leader, Thlogi Moseki.
