Pretoria – The Public Protector has found that Hessequa Municipality Mayor Christopher Taute’s conduct, in allegedly attempting to solicit donations for the ANC using a municipal letterhead, was abuse of power.
Updating the media on findings of recent investigations, Advocate Thuli Madonsela said she had found that Taute’s conduct was unlawful, improper and an act of abuse of power.
Madonsela made the finding after finalising investigations into allegations that Taute had written to local businesses on an official letterhead, soliciting donations for the ANC.
He apparently used the letter to remind local business that they had contracts because the ANC was in power, adding that those who were awarded tenders owed the ruling party.
Taute’s actions compromised the integrity and credibility of the municipality he was supposed to oversee, Madonsela said.
She also recommended that the municipality council take disciplinary action and “consider the finding of maladministration against the mayor.”
With regards to her investigation into complaints and allegations of maladministration, improper and unlawful conduct by the Department of Public Works and SAPS over the leasing of offices in Durban, Madonsela said it was still at a provisional report stage.
She said that with the help of the Special Investigating Unit, she was “reworking” the SAPS matter and would release the final report on 14 July.
Madonsela added that she would not be taking action against media who had published a provisional report.
Despite calls from SAPS for her to pursue legal action, Madonsela said she believed the manner in which she had chosen to deal with the matter – by engaging with media and planning a meeting with South African National Editors’ Forum – was sufficient. – BuaNews
