With regards to the article that can be viewed online at https://novanews.co.za/hermanustimes/tender-award-concerns-20241001-2/ , OVAC sent the following letter to the Speaker of the Overstrand:
Dear Speaker of Council.
OVAC is concerned about governance and institutional integrity within the Mayoral Committee of the Overstrand Municipality.
This concern arises in the context of publicly reported allegations in the media relating to a member of the Mayoral Committee, which include reference to a complaint that was reportedly referred to the Hawks for investigation.
Our concern is not about any law enforcement process or the substance of those allegations, which are outside Council’s mandate, but rather about the governance implications for municipal decision-making and public confidence.
In this context, we respectfully request clarity on the following:
1. What mechanisms are in place within Council to manage governance risk where a member of the Mayoral Committee may be subject to serious allegations that have been publicly reported and referred to law enforcement authorities; 2. Whether any internal ethical review, disclosure, or code-of-conduct framework applies in such circumstances; and 3. How Council ensures continued public confidence in executive decision-making under such conditions.
This enquiry is made purely in the interest of transparency, good governance, and protection of public trust in municipal institutions.
Kind regards,
Anton Kruger
OVAC
