City to address Pikitup mismanagement
Amanda Nair came under public scrutiny relating to allegations of tender irregularities, mismanagement and nepotistic hiring practices.
A recent report by the Public Protector confirms the allegations of mismanagement, maladministration and abuse of power that took place in Pikitup under the leadership of Amanda Nair.
According to City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba, Pikitup and Nair have come under public scrutiny relating to allegations of tender irregularities, mismanagement and nepotistic hiring practices since 2013.
The Public Protector’s report details the extent to which these matters were in the public domain due to Samwu and the media’s work in exposing the wrongdoing.
Mashaba also stated that, despite the fact that these matters transpired under the previous administration, the multi-party government will be engaging the Board of Pikitup on the findings and remedial action contained in the Public Protector’s report.
What is evident from the report is that Nair was able to run Pikitup like a personal fiefdom. The extent of the rot in Pikitup was pervasive, and it was public knowledge at the time.
“However, what remains unanswered in the Public Protector’s report is where were the previous Mayor, councillor Parks Tau, or MMC for the Environment, Infrastructure and Services Department, councillor Matshidiso Mfikoe, in addressing the wrongdoing which was taking place? Why was Nair and the previous Board of Pikitup allowed to act as a law unto themselves?” Mashaba asked.
“I would like to express my deep appreciation and note the critical role played by Samwu in exposing the nepotistic hiring practices within Pikitup. We regret the extent to which the previous administration ignored their valid concerns and, as was the norm under the Tau administration, swept the allegations under the carpet to protect the connected few,” Mashaba said.
The City of Johannesburg will be working with the Board of Pikitup to ensure that those responsible for the reign of mismanagement that characterised Pikitup in the past are held to account.
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