Hessequa Municipality Refutes Allegations of Misconduct and Financial Mismanagement

In a resolute response to recent accusatory reports, Hessequa Municipality has steadfastly dismissed claims of corruption and financial instability, highlighting a narrative of organizational integrity and procedural compliance. Allegations circulating on social media and explored in a Cape Independent article suggested a brewing "culture of impunity," implicating the municipality in a series of administrative and financial transgressions, including improper housing awards and inconsistent handling of the Syntell contract.

The municipality's counter-statement reveals a timeline of action and inquiry, commencing with the lodging of an affidavit by ten traffic officers in 2022 and culminating in Council resolutions to conduct full forensic investigations, engage independent investigators, and enact disciplinary measures. Asserting the impartiality of disciplinary outcomes and underscoring the safeguards for whistleblowers, the municipality's stance reflects a commitment to upholding the rule of law and procedural fairness.

The defense extends to financial decision-making practices. Long-term loan utilizations spanning over a decade are aligned with infrastructural development yielding revenue. The repayment record and cash reserves further counter the solvency concerns, painting a picture of fiscal prudence and operational continuity. The municipality refuted concerns over councilor impropriety in housing allocations, declaring the independence of the inquiry process despite witness hesitancy.

Hessequa Municipality's narrative is one of dedication to governance standards and transparency, open to the scrutiny of overseeing bodies such as MPAC, the Auditor-General, and the Public Protector. With ongoing criminal investigations related to other allegations, the administration's open-book policy remains a cornerstone of their address to the public eye.

By asserting due process in appointments and reaffirming the municipality's financial sustainability, Hessequa Municipal Council stands its ground firmly against the unfounded allegations, awaiting the formal outcome of the DPCI's inquiries.